Group queries appoint of Sheriff as APC North-east campaign coordinator

The North-East Unity Forum for Asiwaju (NUFA), has called on President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to replace Senator Ali Modu Sheriff as the North-East Zonal Coordinator of the APC 2027 Presidential Campaign Council.

The NUFA in statement signed by its convener Hon. Yusuf Umar, said his appointment could affect the chances of the party in the region.

The Forum said as a matter of reputational credibility and favourable public image, Sheriff’s inclusion must be reviewed due to serious reputational controversies of the former Borno governor.

“The North-East is not merely an electoral zone. It is a region that has endured some of Nigeria’s most severe security, humanitarian and economic challenges. Consequently, political leadership in the region requires exceptional sensitivity to public perception, community confidence and the historical experiences of its people,” he said.

It said these considerations should be central to every decision concerning the political mobilisation of the region.

NUFA acknowledges that Senator Sheriff has repeatedly denied allegations linking him to Boko Haram and that allegations should not be treated as convictions.

The group, however, is deeply concerned about public perception that bringing Ali Sheriff can only damage the chances and prospects of President Tinubu and the APC in the region.

The Forum maintained that campaign appointments carry political consequences beyond the individual appointed, as such an appointment that generates substantial controversy, particularly undermines its broader objectives.

“The Forum’s position is that the APC should not allow an avoidable controversy surrounding a campaign official to overshadow its campaign message or divert public attention from issues that matter directly to citizens,” he said.

The Forum therefore believes that individuals’ assigned prominent political responsibilities in the region must be assessed not only on political experience but also on their ability to command public confidence among communities whose support the campaign seeks.

NUFA specifically notes the historical controversies surrounding the period of Senator Sheriff’s political leadership in Borno State. These include references to the Galtimari Committee’s findings and questions that have subsequently been raised publicly concerning political developments in the state during the period preceding the full-scale insurgency.

The Forum stresses, however, that such historical references should be considered carefully and should not be presented as proof of criminal culpability where no competent court has established such culpability.

It said the 2027 presidential campaign will require the APC to persuade Nigerians on substantive questions: security, economic opportunity, employment, infrastructure, education, food security and the government’s record in office.