2027: I Won’t Step Down for ADC — Kwankwaso

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) or any other political party.

Kwankwaso made his position known on Sunday amid ongoing discussions among opposition parties about possible alliances ahead of the 2027 general election. He argued that the ADC does not offer a better alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The NDC chieftain also accused the ADC Presidential Campaign Council of spreading claims that his ticket with Peter Obi was working for the APC or could withdraw from the presidential race shortly before the election.

In a statement, Kwankwaso criticised the ADC campaign team for directing attacks at him, Obi and the NDC instead of focusing on presenting its own candidate and policies to Nigerians.

He maintained that the NDC ticket would remain in the race and would not withdraw in favour of the ADC or any other party.

Kwankwaso also dismissed allegations that the NDC presidential ticket was acting on behalf of the ruling party, insisting that the party was committed to contesting the election independently.

He challenged the ADC campaign council to address allegations reportedly levelled against its presidential candidate by Vice-President Kashim Shettima rather than concentrate on criticising the NDC ticket.

The former Kano State governor further rejected the ADC’s claim to being an alternative to the APC-led government, which he accused of failing Nigerians. He argued that the ADC would not provide a better option for the country.

Kwankwaso presented the NDC as a stronger opposition platform, saying his ticket with Obi had the credibility, capacity and nationwide support needed to unite the country and address its major challenges.

He listed insecurity, education, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare and economic difficulties among the issues the party intended to tackle.

The NDC vice-presidential candidate also urged party supporters and other Nigerians who shared its objectives to remain committed to its electoral campaign, expressing confidence in the party’s ability to secure victory in 2027.