The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has categorically dismissed any possibility of the party withdrawing from the 2027 presidential race in favour of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or any other political party. In a statement issued via his X handle @KwankwasoRM on Sunday, October 18, 2026, Kwankwaso said the NDC had become aware of efforts by the ADC Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) to mislead NDC supporters into believing the OK ticket intended to step down ahead of the election.
Kwankwaso Accuses ADC-PCC of Spreading Mischief
Kwankwaso directed sharp criticism at the ADC-PCC, saying the campaign team had chosen to attack Peter Obi, himself, and the NDC rather than making a case for their own candidate. He said the attacks included attempts to portray the OK ticket as secretly working for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
"Let me state clearly and unequivocally: we will not withdraw our candidature for the ADC or any other party," Kwankwaso said. "We remain confident in our capacity, competence, and readiness to lead Nigeria."
Kwankwaso Rejects APC Allegations
Kwankwaso rejected any suggestion that the NDC was operating in the interest of the APC or its candidates, describing such claims as "unfounded." He insisted that the ADC-PCC would be better served addressing the "serious allegations levelled against their candidate by the Vice President, His Excellency Kashim Shettima," instead of targeting the NDC ticket.
"The OK ticket is neither working for nor acting on behalf of the APC or any of its candidates," he said. "We see no possibility or reason to withdraw from the presidential race in favour of the ADC candidate or any other."
NDC Pitches Its Ticket to Nigerian Voters
Kwankwaso used the statement to position the NDC as the most credible opposition option ahead of the 2027 general elections, arguing that neither the APC government nor the ADC offered Nigerians a viable alternative. He described the OK ticket as a "healing ticket" backed by experience in both Northern and Southern Nigeria, and said it was focused on addressing security, education, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, and the economy.
"The APC-led government has failed Nigerians. The ADC offers no better alternative," he said. He urged NDC supporters to remain committed and work towards the party's victory.
Peter Obi was ratified as the NDC's presidential candidate on May 29, 2026, after leaving the ADC earlier that month.
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the ADC Presidential Campaign Council fired back at Senator Kwankwaso after he called for Atiku Abubakar to step aside for Peter Obi ahead of 2027. The ADC-PCC's Kola Ologbondiyan said Kwankwaso's remarks raised questions about whose political interests the senator was actually serving. Ologbondiyan cited the 2003 and 2007 elections to argue that Atiku could win Kano State without Kwankwaso's backing.
