Politics
2027: Kwankwaso Rules Out Stepping Down for Atiku, ADC
The NDC vice-presidential candidate dismissed speculation that his joint ticket with Peter Obi would withdraw for Atiku Abubakar, accusing the ADC campaign council of making unnecessary attacks on his party.
Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has ruled out withdrawing from the 2027 presidential race in favour of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or any other political party, insisting that the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ticket remains committed to contesting the election.
Kwankwaso, the NDC vice-presidential candidate alongside Peter Obi, made the position clear in a statement published on Sunday, October 18, amid growing disagreements between the NDC and the ADC over opposition strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former Kano State governor accused the ADC Presidential Campaign Council of directing unnecessary attacks at him, Obi and their party instead of focusing on presenting its own candidate and policy proposals to Nigerians.
He also dismissed allegations that the NDC ticket was working for President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing suggestions that the ticket could withdraw from the race as unfounded.
“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.
The statement followed criticism from the ADC Presidential Campaign Council after Kwankwaso called on former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the ADC presidential candidate, to step aside for Obi.
The ADC campaign council had accused Kwankwaso of undermining opposition unity and questioned whether his intervention could benefit the ruling APC.
In his response, Kwankwaso urged the ADC campaign team to concentrate on presenting its candidate’s credentials rather than targeting the NDC leadership.
He also challenged the campaign council to respond to allegations reportedly made against Atiku by Vice-President Kashim Shettima instead of focusing on criticisms of the NDC ticket.
Kwankwaso criticised both the APC-led administration and the ADC, arguing that neither offered the alternative he believed Nigerians needed.
“The APC-led government has failed Nigerians. The ADC offers no better alternative,” he said.
He described the joint ticket with Obi as a credible alternative, saying it would prioritise national unity and address major challenges in security, education, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare and the economy.
Kwankwaso further urged NDC supporters and other Nigerians who identify with the party’s agenda to remain committed to its electoral ambition.
The exchange comes amid broader discussions among opposition parties about the possibility of a common presidential candidate to challenge Tinubu in 2027. The disagreement highlights the divisions that could complicate efforts to establish a unified opposition strategy ahead of the election.