Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has challenged the African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) to address allegations against its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, instead of attacking him and the NDC flagbearer, Peter Obi.

Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State, made the call while reacting to accusations by the ADC campaign council that he was working to weaken the opposition and improve President Bola Tinubu’s chances of re-election in 2027.

In a statement issued on Friday, Kola Ologbondiyan, Director of Media and Publicity of the ADC-PCC, accused Kwankwaso of attacking opposition leaders rather than holding the Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress (APC) government accountable.

The ADC campaign council’s reaction followed Kwankwaso’s call for Atiku, the party’s presidential candidate, to step aside for Obi ahead of the 2027 general election.

Ologbondiyan had described the proposal as reckless and self-serving, alleging that it was aimed at creating division within the opposition to the advantage of the APC.

However, Kwankwaso, in a statement on Sunday, described the attacks against him, Obi and the NDC as unnecessary, insisting that the ADC campaign council should concentrate on presenting its candidate to Nigerians.

“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,” he said.

He urged the ADC-PCC to respond to allegations reportedly made against Atiku by Vice-President Kashim Shettima rather than diverting attention to other opposition leaders.

“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,” Kwankwaso stated.

The former governor accused the ADC campaign council of attempting to portray him and Obi as allies of the APC, while suggesting that the NDC presidential ticket could withdraw from the race in favour of another candidate.

He firmly rejected the suggestion, declaring that neither he nor Obi would abandon their presidential ambition for the ADC or any other political party.

“Let me state clearly and unequivocally: we will not withdraw our candidature for the ADC or any other party,” he said.

“We remain confident in our capacity, competence, and readiness to lead Nigeria.”

Kwankwaso also criticised both the APC-led administration and the ADC, arguing that neither offered Nigerians a satisfactory alternative.

“The APC-led government has failed Nigerians. The ADC offers no better alternative,” he added.

He described the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket as a credible option with support across northern and southern Nigeria, promising that the NDC would prioritise insecurity, education, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare and the country’s economic challenges.

Kwankwaso consequently urged party members, supporters and Nigerians to remain committed to the NDC’s campaign, expressing confidence that the party would make a strong showing in the 2027 general election.