No deal to step aside for ADC — Kwankwaso

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate, has ruled out withdrawing from the 2027 presidential election in favour of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), accusing its campaign council of attacking him and presidential candidate Peter Obi.

Kwankwaso, in a statement on Sunday, said the NDC would remain in the race and urged the ADC to stop making what he described as unfounded claims about the party’s intentions.

He accused the ADC Presidential Campaign Council of attempting to portray the NDC as a proxy of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and suggesting that its presidential ticket could step aside for the ADC candidate before the election.

“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.

Kwankwaso also rejected allegations that the NDC’s presidential ticket, known as the OK ticket, was 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,” he said, adding that there was no reason for the party to withdraw from the presidential contest.

The former Kano State governor accused the ADC campaign council of focusing on attacking the NDC rather than presenting its own candidate’s credentials and policy proposals to Nigerians.

He urged the ADC to direct its attention towards responding to allegations reportedly levelled against its candidate by Vice-President Kashim 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.

Kwankwaso also warned NDC supporters to disregard any claims, particularly as the election approaches, that the party intends to withdraw its ticket in favour of the ADC.

He maintained that the NDC offered a credible alternative to both the APC and the ADC, accusing the ruling party of failing Nigerians while dismissing the ADC as no better option.

“The APC-led government has failed Nigerians. The ADC offers no better alternative,” he said.

Kwankwaso described the NDC ticket as capable of attracting support across northern and southern Nigeria, saying it was committed to national unity and addressing challenges in security, education, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare and the economy.

He called on party supporters and other Nigerians to back the NDC’s bid for victory in the 2027 general election.