The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has declared that its presidential campaign will proceed with Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso whether or not former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar joins its opposition alliance ahead of the 2027 elections.
Director-General of the NDC Presidential Campaign Council, Ibrahim Abdulkarim, made the declaration during an interview on Arise News, urging Atiku and other opposition leaders to unite behind the party’s presidential ticket.
Abdulkarim argued that opposition collaboration was already taking shape within the NDC and did not necessarily have to be organised under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“Nobody said the coalition must happen on ADC. It can happen in NDC,” he said.
He pointed to Kwankwaso’s decision to set aside his presidential ambition and support Obi as evidence that opposition figures could unite around a common ticket.
According to him, Atiku’s participation would strengthen the alliance’s political reach, but the NDC would not abandon its campaign if the former Vice-President declined to join.
“We will continue what we have started,” Abdulkarim declared.
The campaign chief also dismissed questions about the composition of the NDC’s campaign council, insisting that the party should not be confused with the Obidient movement or other support groups.
He claimed that more than 1,000 support groups were associated with the party and maintained that disagreements over campaign structures would not derail its preparations.
On electoral credibility, Abdulkarim said the NDC was developing measures to protect votes during the 2027 elections.
He promised that the party would conduct peaceful campaigns nationwide while seeking to mobilise Nigerians who had lost confidence in the electoral process.
Addressing allegations concerning financial inducements in political appointments, Abdulkarim defended Obi’s record as Anambra State governor.
He maintained that the NDC presidential candidate would prioritise competence and merit when selecting government officials if elected.
Meanwhile, Atiku’s spokesman, Paul Ibe, had earlier said opposition leaders were pursuing a consensus arrangement, insisting that no presidential aspirant should be compelled to withdraw from the race.
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