ADC-PCC Accuses Kwankwaso of Targeting Atiku Instead of Tinubu

The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has renewed its criticism of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, accusing him of focusing his political attacks on ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar instead of holding President Bola Tinubu’s administration accountable for Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the council described Kwankwaso’s response to its earlier criticism as diversionary, arguing that it failed to address the concerns raised about his political priorities.

Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), whose presidential candidate is Peter Obi, had been urged by the ADC-PCC to direct his criticism towards the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) rather than repeatedly targeting Atiku and the ADC.

The council questioned why Kwankwaso appeared more interested in criticising the opposition platform than challenging the Tinubu administration over what it described as worsening economic hardship, insecurity, high fuel prices, the depreciation of the naira and declining living standards.

“Why is Senator Kwankwaso making our candidate the issue instead of confronting the ruling APC, whose policies have made life increasingly difficult for millions of Nigerians?” the council asked.

The ADC-PCC further argued that these challenges should be the priority of opposition politicians seeking to offer Nigerians an alternative to the current administration.

It also alleged that Kwankwaso’s pattern of criticism raised questions about his political alignment with the APC and Tinubu. However, the council did not provide evidence in the statement to establish that Kwankwaso had entered into an alliance with either the party or the President.

The campaign council insisted that it would not be distracted by the exchanges, maintaining that its focus remained on mobilising Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general election.

It also challenged Kwankwaso to stop what it described as attempts to curry favour with the ruling party through attacks on the ADC and to clarify his political position if he shared the APC’s agenda.

The statement underscores growing tensions among opposition political figures as political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 elections continues. With economic hardship, insecurity and governance likely to remain central campaign issues, the dispute highlights the struggle among opposition groups over how best to challenge the ruling party.

The statement did not include a direct response from Kwankwaso to the latest allegations. His position on the specific accusations could not be established from the material provided.