The Vice-Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has ruled out stepping down for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Kwankwaso said neither he nor the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, would withdraw from the race in favour of the ADC or any other political party.
He stated this in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Sunday, October 18, while accusing the ADC Presidential Campaign Council of spreading claims suggesting that the NDC might abandon its presidential ticket before the election.
“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.
“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 dismissed allegations that the NDC ticket was working for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing such claims as unfounded.
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“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 stated.
The former Kano State governor accused the ADC campaign team of directing unnecessary attacks at him, Obi and the NDC instead of presenting its candidate’s credentials to Nigerians.
He urged the ADC Presidential Campaign Council to address allegations levelled against its candidate by Vice-President Kashim Shettima rather than focus on the NDC leadership.
“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,” Kwankwaso said.
He described the NDC as a credible opposition platform, arguing that its ticket offered Nigerians an alternative to both the APC and ADC.
Kwankwaso maintained that the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket was committed to national unity and tackling insecurity, economic hardship, education and other challenges facing the country.
He urged supporters to remain committed to the NDC’s electoral ambition, declaring, “Nigeria will be OK. – RMK”
First Daily reports that the NDC and ADC are among parties in talks for a single candidate in the 2027 presidential election under the G-100 coalition, it is unclear whether this public spat between both parties will affect the coalition talks.