Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the Nigeria Democratic Congress’ vice-presidential nominee, has dismissed speculation that presidential candidate Peter Obi could withdraw from the 2027 race to support former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar or the African Democratic Congress. Kwankwaso said the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket, which the party describes as the “OK ticket,” remained fully committed to the contest and had no intention of abandoning its presidential bid for the ADC or any other political party.
In a Facebook statement, the former Kano State governor accused the ADC Presidential Campaign Council of prioritizing attacks on the NDC, Obi, and himself over promoting its own candidate and platform to the public.
Commitment to the Presidential Race
He also rejected claims that the NDC ticket was secretly working for the ruling All Progressives Congress or could announce a last-minute withdrawal in favour of the ADC. “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 stated.
Opposition Strategy Ahead of the 2027 Election
Kwankwaso’s statement came amid a growing exchange between the NDC and the ADC Presidential Campaign Council over opposition strategy ahead of the 2027 election.
The ADC campaign had previously alleged that Kwankwaso focused his political attacks on Atiku rather than addressing President Bola Tinubu and the APC’s governance. The ADC-PCC also questioned Kwankwaso’s political alignment, suggesting his recent critiques of Atiku might indirectly aid the ruling party.
Kwankwaso rejected these accusations, urging the ADC campaign to concentrate on defending its own candidate and responding to criticisms leveled against Atiku by Vice-President Kashim Shettima. He contended that opposition efforts should prioritize competing policies and records instead of speculation about the NDC’s withdrawal.
Kwankwaso criticized the APC-led Federal Government for failing to resolve key challenges facing Nigerians, while asserting that the ADC does not offer a superior alternative. The NDC ticket plans to center its campaign on security, education, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, economic recovery, and national unity. “Nigeria will be OK,” he added, invoking the slogan tied to the Obi-Kwankwaso alliance.
The ADC Presidential Campaign Council dismissed Kwankwaso’s response, claiming he had not addressed their concerns. Director of Media and Publicity Kola Ologbondiyan stated the former Kano governor focused excessively on attacking the ADC despite self-identifying as an opposition figure. The council queried why Kwankwaso centered his attacks on Atiku and the ADC instead of scrutinizing the APC’s policies.
The council contended that voters prioritize economic hardship, insecurity, fuel prices, the naira’s value, and declining living standards over internal opposition disputes.
