By Emmanuel Thomas l Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026
ABUJA — The Vice-Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has ruled out any possibility of stepping down for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or any other political party in the upcoming presidential election.
Kwankwaso also dismissed allegations that the NDC presidential ticket—jointly led by former Anambra State Governor, His Excellency Peter Obi, and himself—is working covertly for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a official statement released on Sunday, the former Kano State governor expressed concern over what he described as deliberate mischief and unhelpful attacks directed at him, Peter Obi, and the NDC by the ADC Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC).
”Rather than focusing on presenting the competence, credibility, and capacity of their own candidate as we have consistently done by placing our credentials and record of achievements before Nigerians, the ADC Presidential Campaign Council appears intent on creating mischief against our party and ticket,” Kwankwaso stated.
He particularly condemned subtle attempts by political opponents to mislead voters on the eve of the election through false claims that the NDC ticket intends to step down at the last minute in favour of the ADC.
”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 declared.
“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.”
Advising the opposition campaign team to redirect its focus, Kwankwaso urged the ADC-PCC to address the serious allegations leveled against their presidential candidate by Vice President Kashim Shettima rather than engaging in unwarranted hostility toward the NDC ticket.
Reaffirming the party’s readiness to govern, Kwankwaso noted that neither the APC-led government nor the ADC offers a viable path forward for the country.
”The APC-led government has failed Nigerians. The ADC offers no better alternative,” he added. “We believe the OK ticket presents a credible and viable option, backed by proven capacity, a strong track record, credibility, and broad support across both Northern and Southern Nigeria. It is a healing ticket committed to uniting our country and tackling critical challenges in security, education, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, the economy, and other key sectors.”
Calling on party faithful and the voting public to stay focused, Kwankwaso asserted that the NDC remains the most formidable opposition force in the country and expressed confidence that “Nigeria will be OK.”
The political landscape leading up to the 2027 general elections has been characterized by intense realignments, coalition talks, and sharp exchanges among key opposition figures.
Formation of the “OK” Ticket: Following political realignments that saw both Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), the duo formed a joint ticket (“OK Ticket”) aimed at building a formidable third force with strong electoral appeal across both Southern and Northern geopolitical zones.
Opposition Rivalries & Merger Rumours: As the election approaches, political speculation has intensified regarding potential last-minute alliances or stepping-down arrangements between major opposition blocs, specifically between the NDC and the ADC. Propaganda suggesting that the NDC ticket might align with the ADC or operate as a proxy for the ruling APC has circulated widely, prompting this public rebuttal from Kwankwaso.
Cross-Party Friction: Kwankwaso’s reference to Vice President Kashim Shettima highlights the ongoing verbal exchanges between the presidency and the ADC candidate, positioning the NDC as an independent, standalone alternative amidst the political sparring among rival parties.
