Tinubu Support Group Threatens to Withdraw Backing Over Sheriff’s Campaign Appointment

A grassroots support group mobilising for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections has threatened to withdraw its voluntary support if former Borno State Governor, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, remains in the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign structure.

The group, Grassroots Movement for Tinubu Continuity Come 2027, made its position known in a formal complaint dated August 25, 2026, addressed to the National Chairman of the APC, with a copy forwarded to the Presidency.

The organisation specifically objected to Sheriff’s appointment as the North-East Zonal Campaign Coordinator of the APC Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 election.

National Chairman of the group, Comrade Sani Ahmad Zangina ANIPR, said the organisation remained committed to President Tinubu’s re-election but could not continue its grassroots mobilisation under what it described as the present campaign arrangement.

«“Our support for Mr President remains unwavering, but we cannot continue to offer voluntary support under an arrangement that places Senator Ali Modu Sheriff at the forefront of the campaign in the North-East,” Zangina said.»

According to the group, its concerns are largely connected to historical allegations that have previously linked Sheriff to the Boko Haram insurgency.

It argued that placing Sheriff in a prominent position within the President’s campaign structure could create negative public perception, affect the image of the APC and weaken the confidence of grassroots supporters in the North-East.

Sheriff has consistently denied allegations of involvement with or sponsorship of Boko Haram, maintaining that such claims are unfounded.

Zangina stressed that the group was not claiming that Sheriff had been convicted of any offence, but said the historical allegations and their potential political consequences should be taken into consideration when selecting individuals to coordinate the President’s campaign.

The development comes shortly after another support organisation, the Nigeria Rescue & Renewal Movement (NRRM), also raised concerns over Sheriff’s inclusion in the APC campaign structure.

While the NRRM called for a review of the campaign council on grounds bordering on transparency, accountability and public confidence, the Grassroots Movement issued a more direct warning of withdrawal from voluntary campaign activities.

The group stated that unless Sheriff’s name was removed from the frontline of the President’s campaign structure, its members would cease further voluntary activities in support of Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

«“Unless his name is dropped from among the frontiers of President Tinubu’s campaign structure, our votes and that of every member under our team shall be withdrawn from any further voluntary activities for the re-election of Mr President in the 2027 general elections,” the organisation said.»

The group appealed to the APC leadership to reconsider Sheriff’s appointment, warning that the decision could negatively affect the morale and mobilisation efforts of grassroots supporters ahead of the 2027 elections.

It nevertheless reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu and emphasised that its objection was directed specifically at Sheriff’s role in the campaign structure and not at the President’s candidacy.

The organisation said it would continue to monitor developments surrounding the campaign council and engage the APC leadership on issues it considers capable of affecting grassroots mobilisation for the 2027 presidential election.