Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has dismissed speculation that the party may withdraw from the 2027 presidential race in favour of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), insisting that its ticket remains in the contest.

Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State, expressed confidence in the NDC’s chances of winning the election, accusing the ADC Presidential Campaign Council of focusing on attacks against him, the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and the NDC instead of selling its own candidate to Nigerians.

In a statement posted on his Facebook page, he described claims that the NDC was working for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or planning to step down for the ADC as baseless attempts to mislead voters.

“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 said.

Kwankwaso accused the ADC campaign team of engaging in “mischief” against the NDC and warned supporters to disregard any last-minute claims that the party had endorsed another presidential candidate or withdrawn from the race.

He also advised the ADC campaign council to address allegations reportedly made against its candidate by Vice-President Kashim Shettima rather than target the NDC leadership.

Describing the NDC presidential ticket as the “OK ticket”, Kwankwaso insisted that the party was not working for the APC or any of its candidates and had no reason to withdraw from the presidential contest.

“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 said.

Kwankwaso also criticised the APC-led administration, accusing it of failing Nigerians, while arguing that the ADC did not offer a better alternative.

He described the NDC as the country’s most formidable opposition party and urged its supporters to remain committed to securing victory in the forthcoming election.

He said the party’s presidential ticket was committed to tackling insecurity and challenges in education, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare and the economy, while promoting national unity.

“Nigeria will be OK,” he added.