Rabiu Kwankwaso rejects stepping down for ADC in 2027 race

Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has officially ruled out withdrawing from the 2027 presidential race in favor of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Kwankwaso dismissed allegations from the ADC Presidential Campaign Council that his ticket, alongside presidential candidate Peter Obi, was working for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or intended to step down for the ADC candidate. He characterized these claims as attempts to mislead voters and criticized the ADC for focusing on personal attacks rather than presenting its own policy alternatives.

Human rights activist Shehu Sani defended the NDC duo, stating that Kwankwaso and Obi have independent political records and the right to associate as they choose. Meanwhile, the rift between the two opposition parties has deepened, with the ADC accusing the NDC of failing to confront the ruling APC regarding Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.