Kwankwaso rejects ADC attacks, vows Obi-Kwankwaso ticket will not withdraw from 2027 race
Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso
Abdullateef Fowewe
Former Kano State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has criticised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) campaign team for directing attacks at him, presidential candidate Peter Obi, and their party, describing the moves as “unnecessary and unhelpful.”
In a statement shared via X on Sunday, Kwankwaso said the ADC Presidential Campaign Council appeared more focused on creating “mischief” against the NDC’s OK ticket than on showcasing its own candidate’s credentials.
“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.
“This includes attempts to portray us as working for the ruling party or to suggest that we may withdraw from the race in favour of the ADC candidate at the last minute,” he wrote.
Kwankwaso urged the ADC team to instead address “serious allegations levelled against their candidate by the Vice President, His Excellency Kashim Shettima.”
He issued a clear denial of any withdrawal plans, “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.”
“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 added.
Kwankwaso described the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government as having “failed Nigerians” and said the ADC “offers no better alternative.”
He positioned the Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) ticket as “a credible and viable option, backed by proven capacity, a strong track record, credibility, and broad support across both Northern and Southern Nigeria,” calling it “a healing ticket committed to uniting our country.”
He concluded by affirming the NDC as “the most formidable and viable opposition party in the country” and urged supporters to keep working for its victory, ending with the slogan “Nigeria will be OK.”
Peter Obi, the former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate in 2023, and Kwankwaso, the former Kano governor and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate in the same election, recently joined the NDC.
They are running jointly on the party’s platform for the 2027 presidential election, with Obi as the presidential candidate and Kwankwaso as his running mate popularly known as the OK ticket.
The ADC, meanwhile, has nominated former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate.
The opposition landscape remains fragmented ahead of the 2027 polls, with the ruling APC expected to field the incumbent administration.
Tensions between the various opposition camps have intensified in recent weeks as campaigns gather pace.
