Former Borno State Governor, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, has dismissed as false a viral publication claiming he accused Vice President Kashim Shettima of creating Boko Haram.

The report, titled “It’s Not Me, It’s Shettima Who Created Boko Haram – Sheriff Reveals,” had spread widely across social media on Thursday. Sheriff said it was fabricated and aimed at damaging his reputation.

In a statement issued by his media office, he described the story as “a total falsehood, devoid of truth, and a deliberate attempt to sow discord within the nation’s political landscape.”

He maintained that he never granted any interview or made comments related to the claims. “At no time did Senator Sheriff engage with any journalist on this matter,” the statement added.

A Dangerous Piece of Fake News

Sheriff described the publication as “a dangerous piece of fake news” created to undermine his public image and erase his contributions to peace, unity, and development in Borno and across Nigeria.

He reaffirmed his loyalty to national stability, urging the public to ignore the report and focus on genuine governance issues. The former governor also condemned the spread of misinformation for political advantage, warning that such reckless behaviour weakens democracy.

He directed his legal team to identify and prosecute those behind the fake story, saying failure to retract it would lead to “full legal redress.”

A History of Political Rivalry and Misinformation

Sheriff, who served as Borno governor from 2003 to 2011, has long been a controversial figure in discussions about the rise of Boko Haram. Analysts note that the extremist group began gaining strength in the late 2000s during his tenure, though Sheriff has consistently denied any link.

Vice President Shettima, who also governed Borno from 2011 to 2019, faced similar accusations in the past — particularly from political opponents — but these claims have repeatedly been dismissed as unfounded.

The Boko Haram insurgency, which has killed over 35,000 people and displaced millions, remains one of Nigeria’s most devastating security challenges.

Sheriff’s latest statement follows renewed scrutiny of northern political figures and their roles during the insurgency’s early years. “I remain committed to truth, justice, and accountability,” he said.