Former Kano State Governor and Vice Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has rejected claims that his party’s presidential ticket may withdraw from the 2027 election in favour of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Kwankwaso described the claims as false and part of attempts to create confusion among Nigerians and supporters of the NDC.
The NDC chieftain, in a statement on Monday, criticised the ADC Presidential Campaign Council over what he called unnecessary attacks against him, the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and the NDC.
He said political parties should focus on selling their programmes and leadership capacity to Nigerians rather than attacking opponents.
“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,” Kwankwaso said.
He alleged that the ADC campaign team was attempting to portray the NDC as working with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or planning to leave the presidential contest for the ADC candidate.
Kwankwaso, however, insisted that the NDC remained committed to contesting the election and would not step aside for any political party.
“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 stated.
The former governor also challenged the ADC to focus on responding to allegations reportedly raised against its candidate by Vice President Kashim Shettima instead of directing attacks at the NDC.
“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 further dismissed claims that the NDC presidential ticket was working for the APC, stressing that the party was pursuing its own political mission ahead of the 2027 election.
“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 added.
He said the NDC was presenting itself as a credible alternative to Nigerians, accusing the APC-led administration of failing to address key challenges facing the country.
“The APC-led government has failed Nigerians. The ADC offers no better alternative,” Kwankwaso said.
According to him, the NDC ticket has the experience and national support needed to tackle issues affecting Nigerians, including insecurity, education, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure and economic development.
“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.
Kwankwaso described the ticket as one committed to healing divisions in the country and building a united Nigeria.
“We believe the NDC remains the most formidable and viable opposition party in the country,” he stated.
He called on supporters and Nigerians seeking political change to remain focused and continue supporting the party ahead of the 2027 election.