SUN OCT 18 2026-theGBJournal| Nigeria’s opposition Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has ruled out withdrawing from the 2027 presidential election in favour of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), amid escalating tensions between the opposition parties.
Kwankwaso, whose running mate is presidential candidate Peter Obi, accused the ADC Presidential Campaign Council of directing unnecessary attacks at him, Obi and the NDC instead of concentrating on presenting its own candidate, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, to Nigerians.
“I have noted with deep concern the conduct of the ADC campaign team.
The attacks directed at me, our presidential candidate His Excellency Peter Obi, and our party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), are unnecessary and unhelpful,” he said in a statement.
He accused the ADC campaign council of attempting to portray the NDC as working for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including suggestions that the party could withdraw its presidential ticket in favour of the ADC at the last minute.
“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,” Kwankwaso said.
He added that the NDC ticket, popularly known as the OK ticket, was neither working for nor acting on behalf of the APC or any of its candidates.
“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 said.
Kwankwaso also challenged the ADC campaign council to address allegations made against its presidential candidate by Vice-President Kashim Shettima rather than focus on the NDC.
He said the NDC had consistently presented its candidates’ credentials and record of achievements to Nigerians, accusing the ADC campaign team of attempting to create mischief around the party’s presidential ticket.
The dispute comes after Kwankwaso called on Atiku to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race in favour of Obi, a position that has drawn criticism from the ADC campaign council.
The council has accused Kwankwaso of undermining opposition unity and advancing the interests of President Bola Tinubu and the APC, allegations he has rejected.
Kwankwaso also criticised the APC-led government, saying it had failed Nigerians, while arguing that the ADC did not offer a better alternative.
“We believe the NDC remains the most formidable and viable opposition party in the country,” he said, urging supporters and other Nigerians to continue working towards the party’s victory.
He described the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket as a credible alternative with support across northern and southern Nigeria, saying it was committed to national unity and addressing challenges in security, education, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare and the economy.
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