Abuja — Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has called on former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to abandon his 2027 presidential ambition and focus on his traditional responsibilities.
Kwankwaso made the appeal while receiving members of the Fulani Farmers Association at his residence in Abuja. He is the running mate to NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi.
Speaking in Hausa, Kwankwaso directed the visitors to convey a message to Atiku, who holds the traditional title of Wazirin Adamawa and is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“Go to the Wazirin of Adamawa’s house and tell him in Fulani that he needs to focus on his traditional title of Wazirin, given his age and health,” Kwankwaso said.
He added: “If Allah grants us success, we will take good care of him, especially since you all come from Adamawa. An apology should be offered to him.”
Some reports paraphrased the message more directly as: “Step down for us; if we win, we will take care of you.”
Kwankwaso cited Atiku’s age and health as reasons for the appeal, urging the former vice-president’s supporters to persuade him to withdraw from the race and devote more time to his traditional role.
Atiku, who will turn 80 by the time of the 2027 election (and 81 the following year), has previously indicated that the 2027 contest could be his final attempt at the presidency. In April, responding to questions about the higher stakes at his age, he said: “Certainly yes, because the stakes are higher and I believe that will be my last outing.”
The former vice-president has contested the presidency multiple times, appearing on the ballot as a presidential candidate in 2007, 2019 and 2023. He was conferred with the title of Wazirin Adamawa in June 2017.
The call comes amid ongoing efforts by opposition figures to forge a united front against President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. Kwankwaso and Obi had earlier left the ADC for the NDC, citing internal divisions.
Political observers note that disagreement over who should lead the opposition ticket remains a key challenge in building a broad coalition. Atiku remains one of the major opposition contenders seeking the presidency.
There has been no immediate public response from Atiku or the ADC to Kwankwaso’s remarks.
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