‘We Won’t Step Down for Atiku’ — Kwankwaso Fires Back at ADC

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has rejected claims that his party’s presidential ticket may withdraw from the 2027 election in favour of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

Kwankwaso, who is running alongside NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi, also accused the ADC Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) of launching unnecessary attacks against him, Obi and their party.

He made the remarks in a statement posted on his verified X handle on Sunday afternoon, insisting that the NDC ticket remained committed to contesting the presidential 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.

Kwankwaso alleged that rather than presenting the competence, credibility and capacity of its own candidate to Nigerians, the ADC campaign council was focused on creating mischief against the NDC and its presidential ticket.

He said the alleged attacks included attempts to portray the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket as working for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and suggestions that it could withdraw from the race at the last minute in favour of the ADC candidate.

The former Kano State governor warned that the ADC-PCC might attempt to mislead NDC supporters on the eve of the election by claiming that the party intended to step aside for Atiku.

“The OK ticket is neither working for nor acting on behalf of the APC or any of its candidates. We see no possibility or reason to withdraw from the presidential race in favour of the ADC candidate or any other. These claims are unfounded and should be treated as such,” he stated.

Kwankwaso also challenged the ADC campaign council to address allegations levelled against its presidential candidate by Vice-President Kashim Shettima rather than targeting him and Obi.

“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,” he said.

Kwankwaso also criticised the APC-led administration, accusing it of failing Nigerians, while arguing that the ADC did not offer a better alternative.

“The APC-led government has failed Nigerians. The ADC offers no better alternative,” he declared.

He described the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket as a credible and viable option for Nigerians, citing its experience, record of achievements, credibility and support across Northern and Southern Nigeria.

According to Kwankwaso, the ticket is committed to promoting national unity and addressing critical challenges affecting the country, including insecurity, education, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare and the economy.

He further maintained that the NDC remained the country’s most formidable opposition party and urged supporters to remain committed to its electoral ambition.

“We believe the NDC remains the most formidable and viable opposition party in the country. I therefore urge all our supporters and well-meaning Nigerians to continue working toward the victory of our great party,” Kwankwaso added.