Jul 6, 2026

Ali Modu Sheriff Accuses Peter Obi of Secret Biafra Agenda to Divide Nigeria

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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ABUJA, Nigeria—In a fiery television interview that has sparked widespread controversy, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, former Governor of Borno State and a key APC figure, has directly accused Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s prominent leader and 2023 presidential candidate, of harboring a hidden agenda to divide Nigeria due to alleged sympathies for Biafra and the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Sheriff made the remarks during a recent appearance on *Politics Today*, asserting that Obi has consistently failed to publicly condemn Biafra or IPOB activities.

“Peter Obi, up to this moment, is pursuing the division of Nigeria because he believes in Biafra,” Sheriff stated. He challenged Obi to clearly declare his stance on the unity of the country.

The viral clip, shared widely on social media, including by user @Imranmuhdz, has ignited passionate reactions across Nigeria’s polarized political landscape as the nation gears up for the 2027 general elections.

Ali Modu Sheriff, who has a complex political history including past associations with elements linked to the emergence of Boko Haram (a claim he has denied), positioned his comments within broader concerns about secessionist agitations in the Southeast.

IPOB and its leader Nnamdi Kanu remain highly sensitive topics, with the group proscribed as a terrorist organization by the Nigerian government.

Peter Obi, a former Anambra State Governor known for his strong support base in the Southeast and among many young Nigerians, has faced repeated accusations from ruling party figures of tacitly encouraging separatist sentiments.

Obi has historically emphasized national unity, good governance, and restructuring within a united Nigeria, while maintaining that dialogue is needed to address grievances in various regions, including the Southeast.

The statement has drawn sharp criticism from Obi supporters, who view it as a desperate smear tactic by the ruling APC to undermine a formidable opposition voice ahead of 2027.

Many point to Obi’s track record of promoting inclusive governance and economic development during his time as governor, contrasting it with ongoing security and economic challenges under the current administration.

Critics of Sheriff, meanwhile, highlight his own controversial past, including allegations of links to Boko Haram’s early days—accusations he has long rejected.

Some social media users questioned the credibility of the messenger, labeling the attack as political distraction rather than substantive debate.

The controversy underscores deepening fault lines in Nigerian politics: ethnic and regional suspicions, the weaponization of historical grievances like Biafra, and the intensifying battle for narrative control as the 2027 presidential race begins to heat up.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with multifaceted security threats, economic pressures, and calls for restructuring, such accusations risk exacerbating divisions rather than fostering constructive dialogue.

Obi’s camp has not issued an immediate detailed response in the circulating clips, but his supporters urge focus on issues of governance, transparency, and competence over ethnic baiting.

Veteran observers note that while secessionist sentiments exist, the vast majority of Nigerians across regions desire a united, prosperous country.

The real test for leaders remains delivering tangible improvements in security, economy, and social cohesion.

This latest political flare-up serves as a reminder of the fragile nature of national unity narratives in election seasons.

Whether it fades as routine campaign rhetoric or escalates into broader ethnic mobilization could significantly shape the political temperature in the months ahead.

For a diverse nation of over 200 million people, the call for leaders who prioritize unity through justice, equity, and good governance remains as urgent as ever.