Rabiu Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has said the African Democratic Congress, ADC, offers no better alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Mr Kwankwaso, in a statement on Saturday, accused the ADC Presidential Campaign Council of engaging in unnecessary attacks against him, the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and their party instead of presenting the credentials of its own candidate.
He alleged that the ADC campaign team was spreading misleading claims that the NDC presidential ticket was working for the APC or planning to withdraw from the presidential race in favour of the ADC candidate.
“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.
The former Kano State governor challenged the ADC campaign council to address allegations levelled against its presidential candidate by Vice President Kashim Shettima rather than attacking him and Mr Obi.
He also expressed concern that the ADC campaign team might attempt to mislead NDC supporters shortly before the election by claiming that the party’s presidential candidate had withdrawn from the race.
“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.
Mr Kwankwaso also dismissed suggestions that the NDC presidential ticket was secretly 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,” he said.
While criticising the APC-led government for what he described as its failure to meet Nigerians’ expectations, Mr Kwankwaso argued that the ADC could not provide a better alternative.
“The APC-led government has failed Nigerians. The ADC offers no better alternative,” he said.
He described the NDC presidential ticket, known as the OK ticket, as a credible alternative, citing its candidates’ experience, track record and support across northern and southern Nigeria.
Mr Kwankwaso said the ticket was positioned to address the country’s challenges in security, education, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare and the economy.
He further described the NDC as the most formidable and viable opposition party in the country, expressing confidence in its ability to win the 2027 presidential election.
The former governor urged party supporters and Nigerians seeking political change to remain committed to the party’s campaign.
“I therefore urge all our supporters and well-meaning Nigerians to continue working towards the victory of our great party,” he added.