NDC vice-presidential candidate says he is ready to contest the presidential election with Peter Obi, insists their ticket is not working for the ruling party.
Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has ruled out withdrawing from the 2027 presidential election in favour of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Kwankwaso said the ADC does not offer a better alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the opposition party of concentrating on attacking the NDC and its candidates instead of convincing Nigerians with its own campaign promises.
His position comes amid political discussions and efforts by opposition parties to form alliances ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Kwankwaso criticised members of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) for allegedly spreading claims that the NDC presidential ticket, comprising Peter Obi and himself, was working for the APC or planning to withdraw from the race in favour of the ADC candidate.
He insisted that the NDC remained committed to contesting the election and would not step aside for the ADC or any other political party.
“We will not withdraw our candidature for the ADC or any other party,” Kwankwaso declared.
The former Kano State governor also dismissed allegations that the NDC ticket was working on behalf of the APC or any of its candidates.
According to him, there is no reason for the NDC to abandon its presidential ambition in favour of another party.
“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,” he said.
Kwankwaso further challenged the ADC campaign council to focus on addressing allegations reportedly raised against its presidential candidate by Vice-President Kashim Shettima rather than directing attacks at him, Obi and the NDC.
He also questioned the ADC’s claim to being a credible alternative to the APC-led government, which he accused of failing Nigerians.
“The APC-led government has failed Nigerians. The ADC offers no better alternative,” he stated.
Presenting the NDC as a stronger opposition platform, Kwankwaso maintained that his partnership with Obi had the credibility, capacity and nationwide support required to unite the country and address its major challenges.
He identified insecurity, poor educational outcomes, agricultural development, infrastructure, healthcare and economic difficulties as key areas requiring urgent attention.
The NDC chieftain expressed confidence that the party could provide solutions to these challenges if given the opportunity to lead the country.
He also called on party supporters and other Nigerians who believe in the NDC’s political vision to remain committed to its electoral campaign ahead of the 2027 general election.
Kwankwaso described the NDC as a formidable opposition force capable of challenging the ruling party, urging supporters to work towards securing victory at the polls.
“I therefore urge all our supporters and well-meaning Nigerians to continue working toward the victory of our great party,” he said.
The disagreement comes as opposition parties continue to position themselves for the 2027 presidential election, with political alignments, possible alliances and competition among opposition candidates expected to shape the race.
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