The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has urged the African Democratic Congress, ADC, to focus on allegations made against its presidential candidate by Vice-President Kashim Shettima instead of attacking him and his running mate, Peter Obi.
Kwankwaso accused the ADC Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) of engaging in unnecessary attacks against him, Obi and the NDC ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a statement posted on his X handle on Sunday, Kwankwaso expressed concern over what he described as attempts by the ADC campaign team to portray the NDC presidential ticket as working for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He also alleged that the ADC was attempting to create the impression that the NDC would withdraw from the presidential race in favour of its candidate at the last minute.
Kwankwaso said the ADC should instead direct its attention towards addressing the allegations levelled against its candidate by Shettima.
“The ADC-PCC would be better served directing its energy toward rebutting the serious allegations levelled against their candidate by the Vice President, His Excellency Kashim Shettima, instead of targeting me and His Excellency Peter Obi,” he said.
The former Kano State governor declared that the NDC would not withdraw from the presidential race in favour of the ADC or any other political party.
He warned that the ADC campaign team might attempt to mislead NDC supporters on the eve of the election with claims that the party intended to step down for its candidate.
“Let me state clearly and unequivocally: we will not withdraw our candidature for the ADC or any other party. We remain confident in our capacity, competence, and readiness to lead Nigeria,” Kwankwaso stated.
He further dismissed allegations that the NDC presidential ticket was working for the APC, insisting that there was no reason for the party to abandon the race.
Kwankwaso also criticised both the APC-led government and the ADC, arguing that neither offered Nigerians the alternative needed to address the country's challenges.
“The APC-led government has failed Nigerians. The ADC offers no better alternative,” he said.
He maintained that the NDC ticket, comprising Obi and himself, offered a credible alternative with the capacity to unite the country and tackle insecurity, unemployment, and challenges in education, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare and the economy.
Kwankwaso described the ticket as a unifying platform with support across Northern and Southern Nigeria, urging supporters to remain committed to securing victory for the NDC in 2027.
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