Senator Umeh calls Sheriff's comments outdated, urges unity for Peter Obi
Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central, told Channels Television's Politics Today on Tuesday that former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff is operating with outdated political thinking by claiming Northerners will not vote for the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi because he is divisive. Umeh said such statements incite people against Obi and weaponise a sentiment that ended with the civil war over 50 years ago, urging Nigerians to move beyond the stone age of division. He described Obi as one of the finest politicians Nigeria has produced, a non‑violent advocate of peace who would smile even if slapped and continue his message of change and national renewal.
These remarks come amid rising ethnic and regional rhetoric ahead of the 2027 elections, highlighting how old North‑South divisions are being recycled to sway voter sentiment. By framing Obi's candidacy as divisive, Sheriff is attempting to polarise the electorate along lines that Nigeria has supposedly moved past. Umeh’s rebuttal underscores the importance of evaluating candidates on their track record and vision for unity rather than on ethnic or regional stereotypes, a consideration that directly affects voters’ choices in the upcoming polls.
Given this exchange, will you let regional stereotypes influence your vote, or will you assess candidates like Peter Obi based on their policies, character and ability to unite the country? The answer could shape not only your personal choice but also the broader direction of Nigeria’s political culture.