The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has urged former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race.
Kwankwaso made the appeal on Monday during a meeting with members of the Fulani Farmers Association at his residence in Abuja.
The former Kano State governor, who is the running mate to NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi, asked Atiku to reconsider his presidential ambition, citing his age and health.
Speaking in Hausa, Kwankwaso appealed to members of the association to approach Atiku and advise him to concentrate on his traditional position as the Wazirin Adamawa.
He also assured Atiku that he and Obi would take care of him if they emerge victorious in the 2027 presidential election.
Kwankwaso said, “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.”
He added that if he and Obi succeed in the election, they would ensure that Atiku was well taken care of, particularly because of his connection to Adamawa State.
Atiku emerged as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in May 2026, positioning himself as one of the major contenders ahead of the 2027 election.
The former vice-president is set to make his sixth attempt at becoming Nigeria’s president, having first contested the position in 1993.
Atiku was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2019 general election, where he lost to former President Muhammadu Buhari.
While declaring his 2027 presidential ambition, Atiku said the current political contest was different and expressed confidence that his campaign would lead to victory.
He promised that his administration would focus on national unity, security, economic growth, education and greater devolution of resources and powers to the federating units.
Atiku also said he would promote a liberal economy designed to support small businesses and reduce the tax burden on small businesses and low-income Nigerians.
He called on Nigerians to support his political project, expressing optimism that the country could overcome its challenges with collective effort and determination.
