Ali Modu Sheriff, the former governor of Borno State, has accused Peter Obi of having secessionist tendencies linked to Biafra. He suggested that Obi’s political ambitions are aimed at dividing Nigeria.

Sheriff made these claims during an appearance on Channels Television. He was responding to Obi’s demand for President Tinubu to resign over worsening insecurity in the country. Rather than addressing the accusations of insecurity, Sheriff criticised Obi’s qualifications to challenge the government. He also highlighted Obi’s failure to condemn the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).

Sheriff argued that the civil war was fought to maintain Nigeria’s unity. He claimed that Obi’s beliefs suggest he wants to undermine this unity.

His remarks sparked significant backlash, mostly from northern handles on social media. Northerners told Modu Sheriff to stop attacking Obi and focus on the major problems affecting the north’s real issues, like insecurity and hunger. Many commentators said he shifted focus from the critical issues of national insecurity to personal attacks on Obi’s character.

Many accused him of being a key member in introducing banditry to Nigeria during his time as governor in Borno State. Some asked him to stop inciting Northerners against Obi and Igbos as a way of stopping Nigeria’s growth.

Meanwhile, Peter Obi remains a vocal critic of the current administration. He continues to focus on issues of economic hardship and public safety.