Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has urged former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to abandon his ambition to contest the 2027 presidential election, saying he should instead concentrate on his traditional responsibilities.
Kwankwaso made the remarks when members of the Fulani Farmers Association visited him at his Abuja residence, where he also received their support and discussed political issues ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former Kano State governor, who appeared to take a swipe at Atiku’s decision to run for president again, cited the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate’s age and health as reasons he should withdraw from the race.
He urged Atiku’s supporters, particularly those from Adamawa State, to persuade the former vice-president to step aside.
“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.
“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,” Kwankwaso said.
Kwankwaso’s comments add a new dimension to the political manoeuvring already shaping the contest for the 2027 presidency, with leading figures across different political platforms positioning themselves ahead of what is expected to be another fiercely contested election.
Atiku, who has made several attempts to become Nigeria’s president over more than three decades, had earlier acknowledged that the 2027 election could be his final bid for the country’s highest political office.
In April, the former vice-president said his age and the increasing stakes surrounding the presidential contest meant that another attempt in 2027 would likely be his last.
Responding to a question on whether turning 80 by 2027 would make the stakes higher, Atiku said: “Certainly yes, because the stakes are higher and I believe that will be my last outing.”
The former vice-president has remained one of Nigeria’s most persistent presidential contenders since his return to partisan politics, having repeatedly sought the office under different political platforms.
His first attempt dates back to 1993, when he contested the Social Democratic Party’s presidential primaries but stepped down for the late Chief Moshood Abiola.
He returned to the race in 2007 under the Action Congress, losing to the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. In 2011, he contested on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria but was defeated by former President Goodluck Jonathan.
After returning to the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku emerged as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2019 election but lost to former President Muhammadu Buhari.
He again secured the PDP presidential ticket in 2023 but was defeated by President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress.
Despite his electoral losses, Atiku has remained a central figure in Nigeria’s opposition politics and has consistently presented himself as an advocate of restructuring, economic liberalisation and private sector-driven growth.
His decision to seek the presidency again in 2027 has, however, continued to generate debate over whether the former vice-president should make one final attempt or allow a younger generation of politicians to take the lead.
Kwankwaso’s latest intervention reflects the growing rivalry and competing ambitions among political figures seeking to shape the opposition landscape ahead of the 2027 election, particularly as parties and leading politicians begin early consultations and alliances.
