2027: We’ll not step down for Atiku — Kwankwaso replies ADC

Nigerian Democratic Congress vice-presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso has advised the African Democratic Congress, ADC, to concentrate on addressing claims made by Vice-President Kashim Shettima against their presidential candidate, rather than targeting him and his running mate, Peter Obi. Kwankwaso slammed the ADC Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) for making unnecessary attacks on him, Obi, and the NDC ahead of the 2027 general election.

He expressed worry over the ADC's efforts to portray the NDC presidential ticket as cooperating with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Kwankwaso claimed the ADC was attempting to suggest that the NDC would pull out of the presidential race at the last minute. He asserted that the ADC should instead address the serious allegations Shettima raised against their candidate.

Kwankwaso reiterated that the NDC would not withdraw from the presidential race in favor of the ADC or any other party. He warned the ADC campaign team might deceive NDC supporters before the election by claiming the party intended to abandon their candidate. Kwankwaso dismissed allegations that the NDC ticket was cooperating with the APC, asserting there was no reason for the party to step aside.

He criticized both the APC-led government and the ADC, arguing neither provided Nigerians with the alternative needed to tackle the country's challenges. Kwankwaso stressed that the NDC ticket, comprising Obi and himself, was a credible alternative capable of uniting the country and addressing issues such as insecurity, unemployment, education, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, and the economy.

He described the ticket as a unifying platform with support from both Northern and Southern Nigeria, urging supporters to remain committed to securing victory for the NDC in 2027.