The Vice-Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has accused the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council of launching unprovoked attacks against him, the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and the NDC.
Kwankwaso made the assertion in a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, warning the ADC campaign team to desist from what he described as political mischief and blackmail.
The former Kano State governor expressed concern over the conduct of the ADC campaign council, accusing it of deliberately targeting the leadership of the NDC instead of focusing on promoting its own candidate, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
“I have noted with deep concern the conduct of the ADC campaign team,” Kwankwaso said. “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 noted that while the NDC has consistently presented its competence, credibility, capacity, and track record to the electorate, the ADC Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) appears more interested in spreading falsehoods and creating confusion surrounding the NDC ticket.
Kwankwaso added that the ADC has repeatedly attempted to portray the Obi-Kwankwaso partnership—popularly known as the ‘OK Ticket’—as an under-the-table arrangement working for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or planning a last-minute withdrawal in favour of the ADC candidate.
“Rather than presenting the competence, credibility, and capacity of their candidate—as we have done by placing our credentials before Nigerians—the ADC Presidential Campaign Council seems intent on creating mischief,” Kwankwaso stated. “This includes attempting to portray us as working for the ruling party or suggesting that we may withdraw in favour of the ADC candidate at the last minute.”
He advised the ADC campaign council to redirect its energy toward addressing serious allegations raised against its presidential candidate by Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
“The ADC-PCC would be better served directing its energy toward rebutting the serious allegations levelled against its candidate by the Vice-President, His Excellency Kashim Shettima, instead of targeting me and His Excellency Peter Obi,” he said.
We Will Not Step Down’
Kwankwaso cautioned that the ADC-PCC might attempt to mislead voters on the eve of the 2027 general election by falsely claiming that the NDC ticket has stepped down for the ADC. He declared unequivocally that no such arrangement would ever occur.
“We are aware that the ADC-PCC may try to mislead our supporters on the eve of the election by claiming that we intend to withdraw in their favour,” Kwankwaso warned. “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 reaffirmed that the OK Ticket is not acting on behalf of the APC or any other political interest and sees no reason to yield to the ADC candidate.
“The OK Ticket is neither working for nor acting on behalf of the APC or any of its candidates,” he asserted. “We see no possibility or reason to withdraw from the presidential race in favour of the ADC candidate or any other party. These claims are unfounded and should be treated as such.”
‘APC Has Failed, ADC No Alternative’
Kwankwaso maintained that the APC-led administration has failed the Nigerian people, adding that the ADC does not present a credible alternative. He stressed that the NDC remains the most formidable opposition platform in the country, bolstered by a balanced ticket with broad support across both northern and southern regions.
“The APC-led government has failed Nigerians, and the ADC offers no better alternative,” Kwankwaso argued. “We believe the OK Ticket presents a viable option backed by proven capacity, credibility, and widespread support across northern and southern Nigeria. It is a healing ticket committed to uniting our country and addressing critical challenges in security, education, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, and the economy.”
He urged NDC supporters and well-meaning Nigerians to stay focused and continue mobilizing for the party’s victory in 2027.
“We believe the NDC remains the most formidable opposition party in the country,” Kwankwaso concluded. “I urge all our supporters and well-meaning Nigerians to continue working toward the victory of our great party. Nigeria will be OK.”
