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 unnecessary attacks against him, the NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi, and the party.
Kwankwaso made the allegation in a strongly-worded statement issued on Friday, where he warned the ADC campaign team to desist from what he described as mischief and blackmail politics.
The former Kano State governor said he has noted with deep concern the conduct of the ADC campaign team, which he accused of deliberately targeting the leadership of the NDC instead of focusing on its own candidate.
“I have noted with deep concern the conduct 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,” Kwankwaso said.
He said while the NDC has consistently presented its competence, credibility, capacity and track record of achievements to Nigerians, the ADC-PCC appears more interested in creating confusion and spreading falsehood against the NDC ticket.
According to him, the ADC has been attempting to portray the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket, popularly known as the OK ticket, as working for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or planning to withdraw from the presidential race at the last minute to support the ADC candidate.
“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. This includes attempts to portray us as working for the ruling party or to suggest that we may withdraw from the race in favour of the ADC candidate at the last minute,” he stated.
Kwankwaso advised the ADC campaign council to channel its energy towards responding to serious allegations levelled against its presidential candidate by Vice President Kashim Shettima, rather than attacking him and Peter Obi.
“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.
*We Will Not Withdraw For ADC*
The NDC vice presidential candidate also raised alarm that the ADC-PCC may attempt to mislead voters on the eve of the election by claiming that the NDC ticket has stepped down for the ADC candidate, declaring unequivocally that such will never happen.
“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 declared.
He stressed that the OK ticket is not working for the APC or any of its candidates and sees no reason whatsoever to withdraw for the ADC candidate or any other.
“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 added.
*APC Has Failed, ADC No Better Alternative*
Kwankwaso further argued that the APC-led government has failed Nigerians and that the ADC does not offer a better alternative. He said the NDC remains the most formidable and viable opposition party in the country, with a credible ticket that enjoys broad support across both Northern and Southern Nigeria.
“The APC-led government has failed Nigerians. The ADC offers no better alternative. 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,” he said.
He urged all supporters of the NDC and well-meaning Nigerians to remain focused and continue working towards the victory of the party in the 2027 general elections.
“We believe 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. Nigeria will be OK,” Kwankwaso concluded.
