NDC: NO ALLIANCE TALKS WITH ADC, WARNS OF ‘DISPROPORTIONATE RESPONSE’ TO ATTACKS

…After Kwankwaso, NDC spokesman alerts supporters no plan to step down for Atiku

By Abu Adamu
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has ruled out any ongoing alliance talks with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), declaring that its Peter Obi-Rabiu Kwankwaso presidential ticket will not withdraw from the 2027 race in favour of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or any other candidate.

NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, who stated this Tuesday during an appearance on Trust TV’s Day Break, also warned the ADC against what he described as repeated attacks on the NDC and its candidates, saying the party was capable of a “disproportionate response.”

Director said the NDC’s restraint in the face of criticisms from the ADC should not be interpreted as weakness, explaining that the party had deliberately avoided escalating the dispute in keeping with what he described as a gentleman’s understanding among opposition parties to avoid infighting.

“There are no ongoing alliance talks,” Director said, insisting that the NDC would neither collapse its political structure into the ADC nor surrender its presidential ticket.

He accused ADC presidential campaign spokesman Kenneth Okonkwo of making derogatory remarks about Obi, Kwankwaso and the NDC.

“The spokespersons of the ADC, especially Kenneth Okonkwo, are throwing insults at the NDC and making derogatory statements about the NDC. We are capable of responding disproportionately,” Director said.

He urged the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) to intervene and encourage political parties and their spokespersons to maintain decorum as campaigning intensifies ahead of the election.

Director also warned NDC supporters against what he said could be attempts to create the impression close to the election that Obi and Kwankwaso were preparing to withdraw for Atiku.

“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,” he said.

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

The declaration reinforces a similar position taken by Kwankwaso, the NDC vice-presidential candidate, who has publicly dismissed suggestions that the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket could step aside for Atiku.

Rather than contemplate withdrawing for the ADC candidate, Kwankwaso has urged Atiku to step aside for Obi.

The former Kano State governor recently confirmed that he had asked Atiku to withdraw, arguing that the time had come for a new political arrangement behind the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket.

The escalating exchanges have exposed widening differences between the two opposition camps ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with both parties maintaining separate presidential tickets and the NDC now publicly ruling out any ongoing alliance negotiations with the ADC.