Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has said he will not step down from the 2027 presidential race for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or any other party, after which, accused the ADC Presidential Campaign Council of attacking him, the NDC’s presidential candidate Peter Obi, and the NDC itself.
Kwankwaso described the attacks as unnecessary and unhelpful. He urged the ADC campaign team to focus on introducing its candidate to Nigerians instead of making claims about the NDC’s plans in the presidential race.
In a statement on Sunday, Kwankwaso said the ADC campaign council seemed more focused on criticising the NDC and its presidential ticket than on explaining why its own candidate is competent and credible.
“Rather than focusing on presenting the competence, credibility, and capacity of their own candidate as we have consistently done by placing our credentials and record of achievements before Nigerians, the ADC Presidential Campaign Council appears intent on creating mischief against our party and ticket,” he said.
He said the ADC campaign team was trying to make it look like the NDC was supporting the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He also claimed they were suggesting the NDC might drop out of the presidential race at the last minute to back the ADC candidate.
Kwankwaso rejected these claims, saying the NDC remained focused on its presidential campaign and would not step aside for any other party.
“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,” he said.
He further maintained that the NDC presidential ticket, referred to as the OK ticket, was not working for the APC or any of its candidates.
“The OK ticket is neither working for nor acting on behalf of the APC or any of its candidates. We see no possibility or reason to withdraw from the presidential race in favour of the ADC candidate or any other. These claims are unfounded and should be treated as such,” Kwankwaso said.
The NDC vice-presidential candidate also urged the ADC Presidential Campaign Council to address allegations reportedly levelled against its candidate by Vice-President Kashim Shettima rather than directing its attention at him and Obi.
“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 His Excellency Peter Obi and me,” he said.
Kwankwaso also warned that the ADC campaign council might mislead NDC supporters close to the election by claiming the party intended to withdraw its presidential ticket in favour of the ADC candidate.
He urged supporters to disregard such claims and continue working towards the NDC’s victory in the 2027 general election.
Taking a swipe at the ruling APC and the ADC, Kwankwaso said neither party offered Nigerians a better alternative, insisting the NDC presented a credible option for national leadership.
“The APC-led government has failed Nigerians. The ADC offers no better alternative,” he said.
He described the NDC ticket as having the capacity, credibility, and support base to lead the country, adding that it enjoyed support across northern and southern Nigeria.
According to him, the ticket is committed to uniting the country and addressing challenges in security, education, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare and the economy.
“We believe the OK ticket presents a credible and viable option, backed by proven capacity, a strong track record, credibility, and broad support across both Northern and Southern Nigeria,” he said.
“It is a healing ticket committed to uniting our country and tackling critical challenges in security, education, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, the economy, and other key sectors.”
Kwankwaso described the NDC as the country’s most formidable and viable opposition party and called on its supporters and other Nigerians to back its bid for victory.
“I therefore urge all our supporters and well-meaning Nigerians to continue working toward the victory of our great party,” he said.