The Vice-Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has criticised the conduct of the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) campaign team and declared that the NDC ticket will not withdraw from the presidential race in favour of any candidate.
In a statement posted on his X handle on Sunday, Kwankwaso said he had noted with deep concern the behaviour of the ADC campaign team.
“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 said.
He accused the ADC Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) of focusing on mischief instead of presenting the competence, credibility and capacity of its own candidate.
According to him, the NDC has consistently placed its credentials and record of achievements before Nigerians, while the ADC-PCC appears intent on creating mischief against the party and its ticket.
He said this includes attempts to portray the NDC as working for the ruling party or to suggest that it may withdraw from the race for the ADC candidate at the last minute.
Kwankwaso advised the ADC-PCC to channel its energy elsewhere. “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,” he said.
Warning of possible attempts to mislead supporters, he said: “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. 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 also dismissed claims that the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket, known as the OK ticket, is working for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“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,” he said.
Turning to the political landscape, he said: “The APC-led government has failed Nigerians. The ADC offers no better alternative.”
He described the OK ticket as a credible and viable option, backed by proven capacity, a strong track record, credibility and broad support across 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,” he said.
He added that the NDC remains the most formidable and viable opposition party in the country. “I therefore urge all our supporters and well-meaning Nigerians to continue working toward the victory of our great party,” he said.
Kwankwaso concluded with the ticket’s message: “Nigeria will be OK.”
