Kwankwaso Rules Out NDC Withdrawal From 2027 Race in Favour of ADC

Rabiu Kwankwaso, vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has ruled out withdrawing from the 2027 presidential election in favour of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or any other political party.

Kwankwaso made the position clear in a statement on Sunday, saying he and Peter Obi, the NDC presidential candidate, remained committed to contesting the election. He insisted that their joint ticket was prepared to compete and lead the country.

“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.

His statement followed accusations from the ADC Presidential Campaign Council that Kwankwaso was weakening the opposition in a way that could benefit President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

On Friday, Kola Ologbondiyan, the ADC campaign council’s director of media and publicity, criticised Kwankwaso for allegedly targeting opposition figures instead of focusing his criticism on the Tinubu administration. Ologbondiyan was responding to Kwankwaso’s call for Atiku Abubakar, the ADC presidential candidate, to step aside for Obi ahead of the 2027 elections.

The ADC campaign council alleged that the call risked dividing opposition supporters and strengthening the ruling party. Kwankwaso rejected the criticism, describing the attacks on him, Obi and the NDC as “unnecessary and unhelpful”. He accused the ADC campaign team of attempting to create confusion around his party and its presidential ticket.

Kwankwaso also denied that the NDC ticket was working for the APC or planning to withdraw from the race at the last minute. He warned that claims of a possible withdrawal could be used to mislead NDC supporters as election day approached. He urged the ADC campaign council to focus on presenting its own candidate’s credentials and responding to allegations against its flagbearer.

The former Kano State governor criticised the APC-led government, saying it had failed Nigerians, while arguing that the ADC did not offer a better alternative. He described the NDC ticket as a credible option, citing its claimed record, capacity and support across northern and southern Nigeria.

Kwankwaso said the NDC intended to address challenges in security, education, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare and the economy. He also urged supporters and other Nigerians to continue backing the party as it prepares for the 2027 election, insisting that the ticket remained committed to national unity.