Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has ruled out withdrawing from the 2027 presidential race in favour of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), accusing the latter’s Presidential Campaign Council of launching unnecessary attacks against his party.
Kwankwaso made the position known in a Facebook post on Sunday, October 18, 2026, insisting that the NDC presidential ticket, comprising Peter Obi and himself, would remain in the race and would not step down for the ADC or any other political party.
He also dismissed allegations that the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket was working for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the claims as unfounded. 
The former Kano State governor expressed concern over what he described as unwarranted attacks by the ADC campaign team against him, Obi and the NDC.
“I have noted with deep concern the conduct of the ADC campaign team. The attacks directed at me, our presidential candidate His Excellency Peter Obi, and our party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), are unnecessary and unhelpful,” he said.
Kwankwaso accused the ADC Presidential Campaign Council of focusing on attacking the NDC instead of presenting its own presidential candidate’s credentials, achievements and policy proposals to Nigerians.
He alleged that the campaign team was attempting to create the impression that the NDC was working for the APC or would withdraw its presidential ticket shortly before the election in support of the ADC candidate.
According to him, the ADC campaign council should concentrate on addressing allegations raised against its presidential candidate by Vice-President Kashim Shettima rather than attacking the NDC leadership.
“The ADC-PCC would be better served directing its energy toward rebutting the serious allegations levelled against their candidate by the Vice President, His Excellency Kashim Shettima, instead of targeting me and His Excellency Peter Obi,” Kwankwaso stated.
He further warned that the ADC campaign team might attempt to mislead NDC supporters on the eve of the election by suggesting that the party planned to withdraw from the presidential contest.
Kwankwaso, however, maintained that there was no intention to abandon the race, declaring that both he and Obi were prepared to contest the election.
“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,” he said.
The NDC vice-presidential candidate also rejected suggestions that the party’s ticket was acting on behalf of the APC or any of its candidates.
Referring to the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket as the “OK ticket,” he insisted that the alliance was committed to offering Nigerians an alternative to the current administration.
According to him, the APC-led government has failed to meet Nigerians’ expectations, while the ADC does not represent a better alternative.
“The APC-led government has failed Nigerians. The ADC offers no better alternative,” he declared.
Kwankwaso maintained that the NDC presidential ticket was built on competence, credibility, a record of achievements and support across Northern and Southern Nigeria.
He said the ticket was positioned to promote national unity and tackle the country’s pressing challenges, including insecurity, poor educational outcomes, agricultural difficulties, infrastructure deficits, inadequate healthcare and economic hardship.
The former governor further described the NDC as a formidable opposition platform capable of challenging the APC and providing credible leadership for the country.
He urged party supporters and other Nigerians seeking political change to remain committed to the NDC’s electoral ambition ahead of the 2027 general election.
“I therefore urge all our supporters and well-meaning Nigerians to continue working toward the victory of our great party,” he added.
