North East Coalition for Truth, Justice and Responsible Leadership (NECTJRL) has condemned what it described as a politically motivated campaign aimed at discrediting former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ali Modu Sheriff.
The coalition alleged that the campaign was designed to tarnish the reputation of the former Borno State governor and ex-senator, whom it described as a respected statesman with decades of political experience and influence.
Addressing journalists during a press conference at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Friday, the coalition’s chairman, Alhaji Abba Chamma Habib, said politics should promote development, unity and inclusion rather than character assassination and personal attacks.
Habib, who is also a former Chairman of the Borno Express Corporation, criticised what he described as the misuse of petitions to undermine the image of Senator Sheriff.
“We strongly condemned the manner in which petition has been used to attack the reputation of Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, CON. Political petitions, complaints against him will not be confined. There are appropriate institutions and channels through which such matters can be addressed,” he said.
He further stated: “Using sensational allegations and politically motivated petition to portray an experienced politician as unfit for political participation is irresponsible. Senator Ali Modu Sheriff has been tested through election. He governed Borno State two times, served in the Senate three times, led a major political party, PDP, and participated in national politics at the highest level. His political history speaks for itself.”
Habib said the coalition was speaking on behalf of many people in the Northeast who, according to him, still regard Sheriff as one of the region’s most experienced political leaders.
“We also want to make our position clear as people of the Northeast. We respect Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, recognise his experience and acknowledge his contribution to Borno State and Northeastern politics. We believe he has an important role to play in shaping the political future of our region. Nobody should sit somewhere and decide for the people of the Northeast that they should no longer listen to one of their experienced political leaders. The Northeast has its own political voice.”
He added: “Our position is clear: we want Ali Modu Sheriff to continue playing a leading role in the political affairs of the Northeast and in mobilising support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election.”
The coalition also warned those behind the alleged campaign against confusing political propaganda with grassroots popularity.
“To those behind this campaign, we say respectfully but firmly: do not mistake political propaganda for political strength, and do not mistake a petition for genuine grassroots support. Attacking any experienced political leader does not automatically make another anybody more popular. Politics does not work that way. Ultimately, the people decide. The people of the Northeast understand the difference between genuine political mobilisation and politically motivated attacks designed to settle personal scores.”
Habib insisted that Sherif’s political achievements and contributions could not be erased through petitions or allegations.
“Ali Modu Sheriff is bigger than this petition. His political history, national influence and relationships as well as contributions to Borno State and the Northeast cannot be overemphasized, neither erased by any politically sponsored document.”
He urged supporters of President Bola Tinubu to prioritise unity ahead of the 2027 general election.
“We call on all genuine supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remain focused. The task ahead is bigger than individual political disagreements. The 2027 election will require unity, mobilisation, experience and a broad political coalition.”
According to him, every political leader capable of strengthening the coalition should be embraced rather than sidelined.
“Anyone capable of contributing to that coalition should be welcomed, not pushed away. Senator Ali Modu Sheriff has the experience, political network and relationship to contribute meaningfully to the effort. Those committed to President Tinubu’s re-election should therefore reject the politics of exclusion and embrace the politics of inclusion.”
The coalition reiterated its opposition to any attempt to exclude the former governor from the region’s political activities.
“Let us be clear: we reject the attempt to use a politically motivated petition to exclude Senator Ali Modu Sheriff. We reject attempts to divide the political family in the Northeast. We reject the use of allegations as political weapons, and we reject the idea that individuals with personal political ambitions should determine who the people of the Northeast respect or who should participate in the campaign for President Tinubu’s re-election.”
Habib concluded by stressing that Sherif’s experience remains valuable to both the Northeast and the country.
“Senator Ali Modu Sheriff has served Nigeria in several political capacities. He has experience, networks and political relationships. He understands the Northeast and understands Nigerian politics. President Tinubu needs experienced political leaders like him if the objective is to build a strong and winning coalition for the 2027 election.”
He also had a message for those behind the petition.
“To the petitioner, our message is simple: you can write your petition and make your political arguments, but you cannot erase Ali Modu Sheriff’s political history, experience and relevance with a politically motivated document. Ali Modu Sheriff is above this petition. The Northeast respects him, recognises his political experience and believes he has an important role to play in mobilising the Northeast and Nigeria for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.”
