Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has rejected claims that the party’s Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) ticket will withdraw from the 2027 presidential race in favour of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
In a strongly worded statement, Kwankwaso accused the ADC Presidential Campaign Council of launching unnecessary attacks on him, NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi, and the party. He said the ADC campaign was creating mischief by suggesting that the OK ticket was working for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or might step down at the last minute for the ADC candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
Kwankwaso described the claims as unfounded and unhelpful. “Let me state clearly and unequivocally: we will not withdraw our candidature for the ADC or any other party,” he said. “We remain confident in our capacity, competence, and readiness to lead Nigeria.”
He added that the OK ticket is neither working for nor acting on behalf of the APC or any of its candidates, and that there is no possibility or reason for it to withdraw in favour of the ADC or anyone else. Kwankwaso urged the ADC campaign to focus instead on responding to serious allegations levelled against its candidate, Atiku Abubakar, by Vice President Kashim Shettima.