2027: Kwankwaso, Obi rule out stepping down for ADC

By Tolu Temidire

Rabiu Kwankwaso, vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has ruled out withdrawing from the 2027 presidential race in favour of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or any other political party.

Kwankwaso, in a statement on Sunday, said he and Peter Obi, the NDC presidential candidate, remained committed to contesting the election, insisting that their ticket was capable of providing credible leadership for Nigeria.

“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.

His declaration followed allegations by the ADC Presidential Campaign Council that Kwankwaso was weakening the opposition to benefit President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement on Friday, Kola Ologbondiyan, Director of Media and Publicity of the ADC campaign council, accused Kwankwaso of directing his criticism at opposition leaders instead of challenging the Tinubu-led government.

Ologbondiyan was reacting to Kwankwaso’s call for Atiku Abubakar, the ADC presidential candidate, to step aside for Obi ahead of the 2027 general election.

The ADC campaign council alleged that the call was intended to divide opposition forces and give the ruling party an advantage in the forthcoming election.

However, Kwankwaso described the attacks against himself, Obi and the NDC as “unnecessary and unhelpful”, accusing the ADC campaign team of attempting to create mischief against his party and its presidential ticket.

“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.

The former Kano State governor alleged that the ADC campaign council was attempting to portray the NDC ticket as working for the ruling APC or planning to withdraw from the presidential race at the last minute.

“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 said.

Kwankwaso further advised the ADC campaign council to concentrate on defending its presidential candidate against allegations rather than attacking 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,” he said.

He also warned that the ADC campaign team could attempt to mislead NDC supporters shortly before the election by suggesting that his party intended to withdraw its candidates in favour of the ADC presidential ticket.

Kwankwaso maintained that the NDC remained committed to the presidential contest, dismissing suggestions that its candidates were working to advance the interests of the APC.

He also criticised the Tinubu administration, declaring that it had failed Nigerians, while arguing that the ADC did not offer a better alternative to the ruling party.

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

Defending the NDC presidential ticket, Kwankwaso said it represented a credible and viable option for Nigerians, citing its experience, record and support across the country.

“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.

He described the ticket as a unifying platform committed to addressing the country's major challenges, including insecurity, education, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare and economic development.

“It 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.

Kwankwaso also expressed confidence in the NDC's electoral prospects, describing it as the country's most formidable and viable opposition party.

He urged party supporters and Nigerians sympathetic to its political agenda to remain committed to its campaign ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

“We believe the NDC remains the most formidable and viable opposition party in the country. I therefore urge all our supporters and well-meaning Nigerians to continue working toward the victory of our great party. Nigeria will be OK,” he said.