Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has firmly dismissed speculation that his party will withdraw from the 2027 presidential race or step down in favour of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
​Speaking in Abuja on Sunday, October 18, 2026, Kwankwaso declared that the ADC offers no viable alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which he criticized for failing the Nigerian people.
​In a statement issued on Sunday, Kwankwaso, who forms one half of the NDC’s joint presidential ticket alongside standard-bearer Peter Obi, popularly dubbed the “OK Ticket”, clarified that the coalition remains resolute in its bid for the presidency.
​”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,” Kwankwaso stated.
​Rebuffing claims from opposition critics, he maintained that the NDC ticket is operating independently and not in alignment with the ruling party;”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,” he added.
​Kwankwaso’s remarks come amidst a sharp exchange between the opposition factions. Rebutting criticism directed at the NDC by the ADC Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC), Kwankwaso urged the ADC leadership to redirect its focus toward addressing its own internal political challenges.
​”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 remarked.
​He further dismissed the notion that the ADC represents a genuine reform movement, arguing that it lacks the structure and public trust needed to challenge the status quo.
​”The APC-led government has failed Nigerians. The ADC offers no better alternative,” Kwankwaso declared, identifying the NDC as the country’s most formidable opposition platform.
​Emphasizing the NDC’s broad appeal across Northern and Southern Nigeria, Kwankwaso urged supporters to stay focused on national issues rather than political disputes.
He outlined the key priorities of the Obi-Kwankwaso platform ahead of 2027; Strengthening internal security and restoring national stability, revitalising critical sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, and public infrastructure and implementing policy reforms aimed at sustainable socio-economic growth.
​Kwankwaso concluded by calling on party members and voters across the country to concentrate their efforts on securing an NDC victory in 2027.
