RismadarVoice Reporters
October 19, 2026
Former Kano State Governor and vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has ruled out withdrawing the party’s presidential ticket from the 2027 general elections in favour of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or any other political party.
Kwankwaso, who is running alongside former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, insisted that their joint presidential ticket remained committed to contesting the election, dismissing allegations that the NDC was secretly working to advance the interests of President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement issued on Sunday, October 18, the former Kano governor criticised the ADC Presidential Campaign Council over what he described as unnecessary attacks against him, Obi and their political platform.
He maintained that the NDC offered Nigerians a credible alternative to both the ruling party and the ADC, arguing that neither had demonstrated the leadership capacity required to address the country’s challenges.
KWANKWASO DISMISSES WITHDRAWAL SPECULATION
Kwankwaso said there was no possibility of the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket abandoning the presidential contest to support the ADC candidate, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
He described suggestions that the NDC could withdraw at the last minute as misleading and urged supporters to disregard such claims.
According to him, the party remains confident in its political strength, leadership credentials and readiness to compete in the 2027 election.
He also rejected allegations that the NDC was acting as a political instrument for the APC.
Kwankwaso maintained that the partnership between himself and Obi was established to offer Nigerians a different approach to governance rather than promote the interests of another presidential candidate.
He warned that speculation about a possible withdrawal could create confusion among supporters and undermine the party’s electoral preparations.
ADC ACCUSES KWANKWASO OF DIVIDING OPPOSITION
The disagreement followed criticism from the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, which accused Kwankwaso of making statements capable of weakening opposition efforts against Tinubu.
The council’s Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, had questioned Kwankwaso’s political intentions after the former Kano governor called on Atiku to step aside for Obi.
The ADC campaign organisation argued that such demands could deepen divisions among opposition parties and potentially benefit the ruling APC.
Kwankwaso rejected the accusation, maintaining that his position reflected confidence in the NDC presidential ticket rather than support for Tinubu.
He accused the ADC campaign council of concentrating on attacks against rival opposition figures instead of explaining its candidate’s qualifications and policy proposals to voters.
The exchange has exposed growing differences between major opposition camps over which candidate should lead the challenge against the incumbent president.
KWANKWASO CHALLENGES ADC OVER SHETTIMA’S ALLEGATIONS
Kwankwaso also urged the ADC campaign council to focus on responding to allegations raised against its presidential candidate by Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
He argued that the council should address questions concerning its own candidate rather than direct political attacks at Obi and the NDC.
The former Kano governor had recently defended Obi during a television interview following criticism from Shettima over the use of economic statistics.
Kwankwaso maintained that Obi was knowledgeable about economic data and capable of presenting informed policy arguments.
His latest remarks suggest that the disagreement between the two opposition camps has expanded beyond questions of electoral alliances to include disputes over leadership credibility and political messaging.
APC HAS FAILED, ADC NO BETTER — KWANKWASO
Turning his attention to the country’s political direction, Kwankwaso accused the APC-led Federal Government of failing to meet Nigerians’ expectations.
He also dismissed the ADC’s claim to represent a stronger alternative to the governing party.
According to him, the NDC presidential ticket combines experience, competence and political support across different regions of the country.
Kwankwaso described the Obi-Kwankwaso partnership as a platform capable of promoting national unity and addressing major economic and social challenges.
He identified insecurity, education, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare and economic development as areas requiring urgent government attention.
The former governor argued that Nigeria needed leadership capable of rebuilding public confidence, strengthening institutions and improving citizens’ living conditions.
These assertions form part of the NDC’s campaign position and remain subject to scrutiny by voters as the election approaches.
OPPOSITION UNITY FACES FRESH TEST
The dispute comes amid continuing discussions about whether opposition parties should present a common presidential candidate against Tinubu in 2027.
Political realignments have intensified as parties seek to build alliances, attract influential politicians and expand their electoral support.
However, disagreements over presidential ambitions and the selection of a consensus candidate have complicated efforts to establish a united opposition platform.
The ADC and NDC are positioning themselves as alternatives to the ruling APC, but their competing presidential tickets have created uncertainty over the possibility of electoral cooperation.
Kwankwaso’s declaration indicates that the NDC currently intends to pursue its presidential ambition independently rather than surrender its ticket to the ADC.
The development could influence future negotiations among opposition leaders seeking to challenge the ruling party.
NDC URGES SUPPORTERS TO REMAIN COMMITTED
Kwankwaso called on NDC members and supporters nationwide to remain focused on the party’s campaign objectives.
He maintained that the party possessed the organisational capacity and political appeal required to compete effectively in the presidential election.
The former Kano governor expressed confidence that the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket could attract support from voters seeking an alternative to the existing political establishment.
He also urged Nigerians to evaluate candidates based on their records, competence and proposed solutions to national problems.
With the 2027 election approaching, the latest confrontation highlights the difficulties facing opposition parties as they attempt to balance individual political ambitions with calls for a coordinated challenge to the incumbent administration.
For now, Kwankwaso has made the NDC’s position clear: its presidential ticket will remain in the race, and any proposal for withdrawal in favour of the ADC has been rejected.
