Obi’s running mate rejects calls for opposition realignment and denies claims that NDC is working for Tinubu’s APC
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has declared that the party will not withdraw its ticket in favour of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or any other political party ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.
Kwankwaso made the position clear on Sunday while responding to criticism from the ADC Presidential Campaign Council over the NDC ticket, which has Peter Obi as its presidential candidate.
The former Kano State governor said he and Obi remained committed to contesting the election under the NDC platform and saw no reason to step aside for another party.
“We will not withdraw our candidature for the ADC or any other party,” Kwankwaso declared.
Kwankwaso rejects claims of alliance with APC
Kwankwaso also rejected allegations that the NDC ticket was working in the interest of President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He insisted that the party had its own political objectives and was preparing to contest the election independently.
According to him, the ADC campaign team should focus on presenting its candidate and policies to Nigerians instead of directing criticism at him, Obi and the NDC.
He argued that political parties seeking public support should explain how their programmes would address the country’s challenges.
ADC campaign council criticised
The NDC vice-presidential candidate also challenged the ADC Presidential Campaign Council to respond to allegations reportedly raised by Vice-President Kashim Shettima against its presidential candidate.
Kwankwaso argued that the ADC campaign should address those allegations rather than concentrate on attacking the NDC leadership.
The competing statements reflect continuing disagreements among opposition figures over the possibility of cooperation or a common platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
NDC outlines its priorities
Kwankwaso said the NDC ticket intended to address major national concerns, including insecurity, inadequate access to education and healthcare, agricultural challenges, infrastructure deficits and economic hardship.
He described the party as a platform capable of bringing Nigerians together and urged supporters to strengthen grassroots mobilisation ahead of the polls.
He also criticised the APC-led administration, arguing that it had failed to meet Nigerians’ expectations, while dismissing the ADC as a better alternative. Those remarks represent his political assessment of the rival parties.
Opposition alignment remains a political question
Kwankwaso’s declaration makes clear that the NDC does not currently intend to withdraw its presidential ticket in favour of the ADC.
Whether opposition parties will pursue any future cooperation remains a separate question. For now, the NDC leadership is maintaining its commitment to the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket as preparations for the 2027 election continue.
