NDC Vice Presidential candidate, Peter Obi
Vice Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has dismissed claims that the party’s presidential ticket may step down for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the reports as false and misleading.
Kwankwaso, a former Kano State Governor, said the attacks allegedly coming from the ADC Presidential Campaign Council against him, the NDC and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, were unnecessary and distracting.
In a statement issued on Monday, Kwankwaso said the ADC campaign team should focus on promoting the strength and credibility of its own candidate instead of attacking rival parties.
“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.
He accused the ADC campaign council of attempting to create the impression that the NDC was working for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or planning to withdraw from the presidential contest in favour of the ADC candidate.
Kwankwaso said such claims were unfounded, insisting that the NDC remained committed to the presidential race.
“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 urged the ADC to address allegations recently raised against its presidential candidate by Vice President Kashim Shettima instead of focusing its criticism 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 further denied any relationship between the NDC presidential ticket and the APC, saying the party was pursuing its own political agenda ahead of 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 added.
Kwankwaso said the NDC believed Nigerians were searching for a credible alternative after years of economic and security challenges under the APC-led government.
“The APC-led government has failed Nigerians. The ADC offers no better alternative,” he said.
According to him, the NDC ticket represents a “credible and viable option” with the capacity to unite Nigerians and address major national challenges, including insecurity, education, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare and the economy.
“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,” Kwankwaso said.
He described the NDC platform as a “healing ticket” focused on rebuilding trust and promoting national unity.
“We believe the NDC remains the most formidable and viable opposition party in the country,” he added.
Kwankwaso urged supporters of the party and Nigerians interested in political change to remain committed to the NDC’s campaign ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
“Nigeria will be OK,” he concluded.
The statement comes amid increasing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties intensifying campaigns to present themselves as alternatives to the ruling APC.
