NDC Presidential Candidate Obi Won’t Withdraw 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 firmly in the contest.

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who is running alongside Obi on the NDC ticket, said the party would not step down for the ADC or any other political party, describing suggestions of a possible withdrawal as unfounded.

Kwankwaso made the position known in a statement in which he criticised the ADC Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) over what he described as unnecessary attacks against him, Obi and the NDC.

He accused the ADC campaign team of attempting to create doubts about the NDC’s intentions by portraying the party and its candidates as working for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or planning to withdraw from the presidential contest shortly before the election.

According to him, the allegations are misleading and should not distract the NDC from presenting its candidates, policy proposals and records to Nigerians.

“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 also rejected suggestions that the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket, which he referred to as the OK ticket, was working for 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,” he stated.

Kwankwaso argued that the ADC campaign council should concentrate on presenting its own candidate to Nigerians rather than directing its attention towards the NDC presidential ticket.

He further urged the ADC-PCC to respond to allegations reportedly levelled against its candidate by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, instead of engaging in exchanges with the NDC leadership.

The NDC chieftain did not provide details of the allegations in his statement, while the response of the ADC campaign council to his latest remarks was not included in the communication.

Kwankwaso also challenged the ADC’s claim to represent an alternative to the APC-led government, arguing that the NDC offers a different political option for Nigerians seeking changes in governance.

“The APC-led government has failed Nigerians. The ADC offers no better alternative,” he said.

He maintained that the NDC ticket was built around what he described as proven capacity, credibility, a record of achievements and support across Northern and Southern Nigeria.

According to him, the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket intends to unite the country and address major challenges confronting the nation, including insecurity, weaknesses in the education sector, agricultural development, infrastructure deficits, healthcare and economic difficulties.

Kwankwaso described the ticket as a “healing ticket” committed to bridging divisions and pursuing solutions to Nigeria’s developmental challenges.

He also urged NDC supporters and other Nigerians sympathetic to the party to remain committed to its political campaign and work towards its victory in the 2027 general election.

“We believe the NDC remains the most formidable and viable opposition party in the country,” he said.

The exchange highlights the growing competition among opposition political parties as preparations for the 2027 general election gather momentum.

With multiple political platforms seeking to position themselves as alternatives to the ruling APC, questions surrounding possible alliances, withdrawals and the consolidation of opposition votes are likely to remain prominent in the political debate.

Kwankwaso’s statement, however, makes clear that the NDC leadership intends to pursue the presidential contest under its existing ticket rather than withdraw in favour of the ADC.

“Nigeria will be OK,” he declared.