Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has ruled out the possibility of the party withdrawing its presidential ticket in favour of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or any other political party ahead of the 2027 general election.
Kwankwaso made the declaration on Sunday in a post on his verified Facebook page while responding to comments attributed to the ADC Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) concerning his recent remarks on opposition politics.
The former Kano State governor maintained that the NDC would remain in the presidential race, dismissing suggestions that its ticket could step aside to support the ADC candidate.
ADC Campaign Council Accuses Kwankwaso of Supporting Tinubu's Interests
The development followed allegations by the ADC Presidential Campaign Council that Kwankwaso was advancing the political interests of President Bola Tinubu by calling on former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to step aside for Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The ADC-PCC Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, reportedly made the allegation in a statement on Friday while reacting to Kwankwaso's interview on Channels Television.
Ologbondiyan described Kwankwaso's intervention as self-serving and argued that it could deepen divisions within the opposition.
He also questioned why Kwankwaso was directing his attention towards opposition leaders rather than criticising the Tinubu administration over issues including economic hardship, hunger, poverty and insecurity.
These comments prompted a response from Kwankwaso, who accused the ADC campaign team of directing unnecessary attacks at him, NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi and the party.
Kwankwaso Insists NDC Will Not Step Down
In his response, Kwankwaso rejected allegations that the NDC was working for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He argued that the ADC campaign team should focus on presenting its candidate's credentials and policy proposals instead of making claims about the intentions of the NDC leadership.
Kwankwaso stated categorically that the NDC would not withdraw its presidential ticket in favour of the ADC or any other political party.
“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,” he said.
He further warned that similar claims could emerge shortly before the election and potentially mislead NDC supporters.
According to Kwankwaso, the party's presidential ticket, which he referred to as the “OK ticket,” was neither working for nor acting on behalf of the APC or any of its candidates.
He insisted that there was no reason for the NDC to withdraw from the contest.
Kwankwaso Challenges ADC to Address Other Allegations
The NDC vice-presidential candidate also urged the ADC-PCC to focus on allegations reportedly levelled against its candidate by Vice-President Kashim Shettima rather than directing criticism at the NDC leadership.
Kwankwaso criticised both the APC-led government and the ADC, arguing that neither represented the alternative he believed Nigeria needed.
He maintained that the NDC's presidential ticket was committed to addressing the country's challenges through policies focused on national development and unity.
NDC Lists Priorities Ahead of 2027 Election
Kwankwaso said the NDC ticket intended to prioritise several key sectors if given the opportunity to lead the country.
The areas he highlighted included:
Security and public safety
Education
Agriculture and food production
Infrastructure development
Healthcare
Economic growth and development
He also claimed that the ticket had the capacity, credibility and support to pursue its proposed agenda across northern and southern Nigeria.
According to him, the NDC's vision includes bridging national divisions, bringing Nigerians together and addressing the country's social and economic difficulties.
However, the party's stated priorities and claims about its support base will be assessed by voters alongside the policies and records presented by other political parties as the 2027 election approaches.
Kwankwaso Urges Supporters to Remain Committed
Kwankwaso called on NDC supporters and other Nigerians who share the party's objectives to remain committed to its participation in the presidential contest.
He urged party members to continue working towards the party's victory, reiterating that the NDC had no intention of stepping aside for the ADC or any other political platform.
His declaration adds to the ongoing discussions among opposition figures over possible political alliances, candidate selection and strategies ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general election.
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