The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has ruled out withdrawing its presidential ticket in favour of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), insisting that its candidates, Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, remain committed to contesting the 2027 presidential election.
Kwankwaso, the NDC vice-presidential candidate, stated this in a post on his official X account on Sunday afternoon, October 18, 2026, dismissing suggestions that the party could step down for the ADC at the last minute.
He accused the ADC Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) of directing unnecessary attacks at him, Obi and the NDC instead of concentrating on presenting the credentials and policy proposals of its own candidate.
According to him, attempts to portray the NDC presidential ticket as working for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), or planning to withdraw in favour of the ADC, were unfounded.
“We will not withdraw our candidature for the ADC or any other party,” Kwankwaso declared.
Kwankwaso Accuses ADC Campaign Council of Distraction
The former Kano State governor criticised the ADC campaign team for allegedly focusing on the NDC rather than addressing the issues surrounding its own candidate.
He argued that the ADC-PCC should direct its attention towards responding to allegations reportedly levelled against its candidate by Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
Kwankwaso maintained that the NDC had consistently focused on presenting its credentials and record of achievements to Nigerians rather than engaging in unnecessary political attacks.
He also warned that attempts could be made to mislead NDC supporters on the eve of the election with claims that the party intended to withdraw its candidates in favour of the ADC.
The NDC vice-presidential candidate urged supporters to disregard such speculation, insisting that his party had no intention of abandoning its presidential ambition.
NDC Denies Working for APC
Kwankwaso also rejected allegations that the NDC ticket was working for the APC or any of its candidates.
He said the party saw no reason to withdraw from the presidential contest, expressing confidence in the capacity of the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket to provide an alternative to the current administration.
The NDC candidate criticised the APC-led government, arguing that it had failed Nigerians, while also maintaining that the ADC did not offer a better alternative.
He said the NDC ticket was committed to addressing the country’s major challenges, including insecurity, education, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare and the economy.
Kwankwaso described the ticket as a platform for national healing and unity, capable of building support across Northern and Southern Nigeria.
Opposition Realignment Faces Uncertainty
The statement comes amid political manoeuvring and discussions about opposition cooperation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Kwankwaso’s categorical rejection of withdrawal underscores the NDC’s determination to retain its presidential ticket rather than surrender its ambition to another opposition party.
Although the possibility of political alliances and negotiations remains part of the broader electoral landscape, the NDC’s stated position is that it will contest the election under its own platform.
Kwankwaso consequently called on NDC supporters and well-meaning Nigerians to remain committed to the party and work towards its electoral victory.
