According to a report by Daily Independent, on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, former presidential adviser and activist Najaatu Mohammed strongly criticised former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff, bringing back long-standing allegations that have, for years, linked him to the Boko Haram insurgency.
Her remarks came after Sheriff publicly criticised the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi.
The latest disagreement began after Sheriff granted an interview in which he accused Obi of having sympathy for separatist groups campaigning for the creation of Biafra.
Sheriff argued that the North would not support Obi’s presidential ambition because, the former Anambra State governor only presents himself as someone who believes in Nigeria’s unity while allegedly maintaining ties with separatist elements.
His comments quickly generated widespread public attention, attracting strong reactions across social media platforms and other public spaces.
Supporters and critics of both Sheriff and Obi exchanged opposing views, with many debating the implications of the former governor’s remarks as political discussions surrounding the 2027 general election continue to gather momentum.
Reacting to Sheriff’s statements, Mohammed questioned his moral standing to accuse Obi of lacking patriotism.
She maintained that the former governor should first address the persistent allegations that have repeatedly associated him with the rise of Boko Haram before making comments about the character or political ambitions of any presidential candidate.
The allegations connecting Sheriff with Boko Haram have existed for many years and have resurfaced repeatedly in public discussions.
Much of the controversy stems from the fact that he served as governor of Borno State during the period when the extremist group first emerged and later expanded its violent activities across parts of northeastern Nigeria.
Despite the repeated accusations, Sheriff has consistently rejected every claim linking him to the insurgent group.
He has maintained over the years that he neither established Boko Haram nor provided financial or political support to the organisation.
The issue dates back to the early stages of the insurgency, when Boko Haram, under the leadership of its founder, Mohammed Yusuf, evolved from what was initially regarded as a radical religious movement into a violent extremist organisation responsible for numerous attacks and widespread insecurity across the region.
Mohammed further argued that it was inappropriate for someone who has continually faced such serious allegations to question another politician’s commitment to the country.
She said, “You cannot lecture others on national unity when your name has repeatedly come up in discussions about one of Nigeria’s darkest chapters……See More
Leave a Reply