The Grassroots Coalition for Change has defended former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff following renewed criticism of his appointment as the All Progressives Congress North East campaign coordinator for the 2027 presidential election.
The group said historical allegations linking Sheriff to Boko Haram had never been established as fact and should not be presented as proven findings.
The coalition’s National Coordinator Bello Johnson described Sheriff’s appointment as a strategic political decision based on his experience and network across the North East.
The group said Sheriff’s years in politics had given him familiarity with party organization, grassroots mobilization and the region’s political dynamics.
It argued that renewed attacks immediately after the appointment appeared politically motivated.
Those claims represent the coalition’s position.
The controversy surrounding Sheriff has persisted for years because his period as Borno governor coincided with the early stages of the insurgency.
However, the coalition stressed that political allegations should be distinguished from criminal findings or convictions.
It rejected descriptions of Sheriff as the originator of Boko Haram.
The group also said voters and political stakeholders in the North East should be allowed to judge his suitability for the campaign role.
Sheriff served as Borno governor from 2003 to 2011 and later held senior positions in national party politics.
The coalition said that experience could help the APC coordinate elected officials, party structures, traditional leaders, youth groups and other stakeholders.
It urged APC members in the region to avoid internal divisions and focus on mobilization for President Bola Tinubu.
The group also advised Sheriff’s supporters not to respond to criticism with personal attacks.
The debate over his appointment remains part of wider scrutiny surrounding the composition of the APC presidential campaign structure.
