NDC will not withdraw presidential ticket for ADC, says Kwankwaso
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed claims that its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, may withdraw from the 2027 presidential race in favour of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), insisting that its ticket remains in the contest.
Vice-presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who issued the statement, accused the ADC Presidential Campaign Council of directing unnecessary attacks at him, Obi and the NDC instead of focusing on presenting its own candidate to Nigerians.
He said the ADC campaign team had attempted to portray the NDC ticket as working for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including suggestions that it could withdraw from the race in favour of the ADC candidate 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,” he said.
Kwankwaso urged the ADC Presidential Campaign Council to address allegations levelled against its candidate by Vice-President Kashim Shettima rather than targeting him and Obi. He also warned against attempts to mislead NDC supporters with claims that the party intended to step down for the ADC.
He insisted that the NDC ticket was neither working for the APC nor acting on behalf of any of its candidates, adding that there was no reason to withdraw from the presidential race in favour of the ADC or any other party.
Kwankwaso described the APC-led government as having failed Nigerians and said the ADC offered no better alternative. He maintained that the NDC ticket was a credible option with a strong track record, proven capacity and support across Northern and Southern Nigeria.
He added that the ticket was committed to national unity and addressing challenges in security, education, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare and the economy.
