2027: Kwankwaso Tells Atiku to Quit Presidential Race

The Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has called on the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, to withdraw from the 2027 presidential election.

Kwankwaso made the call in Abuja while receiving members of the Fulani Farmers Association, who visited him at his residence. He urged the group to appeal to Atiku to step aside and concentrate on his traditional role as the Wazirin Adamawa.

The former Kano State governor based his appeal partly on Atiku’s age and health, asking members of the association and other supporters of the ADC candidate to persuade him to reconsider his decision to contest the presidency again.

Kwankwaso said Atiku should give greater attention to his traditional responsibilities instead of pursuing another presidential bid. He also said that if his political platform succeeds in the 2027 election, he would ensure that Atiku was properly taken care of.

The NDC vice-presidential candidate further appealed to people from Adamawa State to approach Atiku and encourage him to reconsider his presidential ambition.

Atiku, who is the presidential candidate of the ADC, has been involved in several attempts to become Nigeria’s president. He contested the presidency in 2007, 2011, 2019 and 2023 but was unsuccessful on each occasion.

In April, Atiku had indicated that the 2027 presidential election might be his final attempt at the nation’s highest political office. His decision was linked to his age and what he described as the importance of the election.

The former Vice-President has remained active in national politics and has continued to campaign for changes to Nigeria’s political and economic system.

He has particularly supported restructuring, economic liberalisation and greater involvement of the private sector in driving economic growth.

Kwankwaso and Atiku are currently on different political platforms ahead of the 2027 election, with the former serving as the NDC vice-presidential candidate while the latter is seeking the presidency under the ADC.

The latest call adds to the growing political exchanges among opposition figures as parties and candidates intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.