Former President Goodluck Jonathan’s old remarks allegedly linking former Borno State governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, to the founder of Boko Haram, Mohammed Yusuf, have resurfaced online amid the controversy surrounding Sheriff’s recent comments about the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi.
The video, originally recorded during Jonathan’s visit to Borno State in April 2013, resurfaced after Sheriff accused Obi of promoting division in Nigeria.
Report had emerged that Sheriff, during an interview on Channels Television, alleged that Obi was “pursuing the division of Nigeria because he believes in Biafra.”
Sheriff also claimed that northern voters would reject Obi in the 2027 presidential election, insisting that the region does not believe in “Biafrans.”
His comments sparked reactions from supporters of Obi, the NDC and the party’s vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, with many reviving past allegations that Sheriff was linked to the emergence of Boko Haram.
In the resurfaced footage, Jonathan was heard referring to Sheriff, who was then a member of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), as a “friend” of Mohammed Yusuf, the founder and former leader of Boko Haram.
Yusuf later died in police custody after he and several members of the sect were arrested following violent clashes with security operatives.
The resurfaced clip has reignited public debate over longstanding allegations involving the former Borno governor.
Recalls that human rights lawyer Femi Falana recently alleged that Sheriff provided financial support to Boko Haram and entered into a political arrangement with members of the group during the 2003 Borno State governorship election.
Watch the resurfaced video: https://x.com/i/status/2074469849456103844
