Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, 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), insisting that the opposition party offers no better alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
His position comes amid political realignments ahead of the election, with Kwankwaso accusing the ADC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) of spreading claims that his joint ticket with Peter Obi is working for the APC or could withdraw in favour of the ADC candidate shortly before the election.
In a statement on Sunday, Kwankwaso accused the ADC campaign team of directing unnecessary attacks at him, Obi and the NDC instead of convincing Nigerians of the merits of its own candidate.
“We will not withdraw our candidature for the ADC or any other party,” he declared.
Kwankwaso also dismissed allegations that the NDC presidential ticket was working on behalf of the ruling party, reaffirming its determination to contest the 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 said.
Addressing the ADC campaign council, Kwankwaso urged the group to respond to allegations made against its presidential candidate by Vice-President Kashim Shettima rather than focus on attacking the NDC ticket.
He further challenged the ADC’s claim to being a viable alternative to the APC-led administration, which he accused of failing Nigerians.
“The APC-led government has failed Nigerians. The ADC offers no better alternative,” Kwankwaso declared.
Promoting the NDC as a stronger opposition platform, the former Kano State governor maintained that his alliance with Obi possesses the credibility, capacity and nationwide support needed to unite the country and address key challenges.
He listed insecurity, education, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare and economic difficulties among the major issues the ticket intends to tackle.
Kwankwaso also called on party supporters and well-meaning Nigerians to remain committed to securing the NDC’s victory at the polls, describing it as the country’s most formidable opposition party.
“I therefore urge all our supporters and well-meaning Nigerians to continue working toward the victory of our great party,” he said.