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Vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has ruled out withdrawing his party’s presidential ticket in favour of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or any other political party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Kwankwaso, who is running alongside former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, dismissed speculation about a possible last-minute alliance with the ADC, insisting that the NDC remained committed to contesting the presidential election.
In a statement reacting to recent exchanges between the two opposition camps, the former Kano State governor criticised what he described as unnecessary attacks by the ADC Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) against him, Obi and the NDC.
He urged opposition parties to concentrate on presenting their candidates’ credentials, competence and policy alternatives to Nigerians rather than engaging in public exchanges capable of undermining cooperation among parties seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“The attacks directed at me, our presidential candidate, His Excellency Peter Obi, and our party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), are unnecessary and unhelpful,” Kwankwaso said.
He accused the ADC campaign council of attempting to divert attention from the qualifications of its own candidate by questioning the NDC’s intentions and suggesting that the party might eventually step aside for the ADC presidential 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.
Kwankwaso maintained that the NDC would neither work for the APC nor enter into any arrangement to relinquish its presidential ticket to the ADC.
“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 also cautioned his supporters against being misled by suggestions that the NDC intended to abandon the presidential contest as election day approached.
“We are aware that the ADC-PCC may try to mislead our supporters on the eve of the election by claiming that we intend to withdraw in their favour.
“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 added.
The NDC candidate further sought to distinguish his party’s proposed agenda from the records of the APC-led Federal Government and the political alternative being offered by the ADC.
He argued that neither party represented the kind of alternative the NDC claimed to offer, insisting that his joint ticket with Obi possessed the experience, credibility and nationwide support required to address the country’s challenges.
“The APC-led government has failed Nigerians. The ADC offers no better alternative. 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 a unifying platform committed to addressing the country’s security, education, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare and economic challenges.
“We believe the OK ticket 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,” he added.
The disagreement comes amid efforts by opposition parties to position themselves for the 2027 presidential election and challenge the APC, which controls the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu.
The ADC and NDC are among the political platforms featuring in discussions about opposition strategy, candidate selection and possible alliances ahead of the election.
Such discussions have raised questions about whether opposition parties will field separate presidential candidates or explore arrangements to consolidate support behind a common candidate.
Kwankwaso’s declaration signals the NDC’s determination to retain its presidential ticket rather than withdraw in favour of another party.
His comments also underscore the political differences that could complicate efforts to achieve a broader opposition alliance before the 2027 polls.
