Quit The Race — Kwankwaso Sends Strong Message To Atiku Over 2027 Ambition

Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race, citing his age and health as reasons he should reconsider his ambition.

Kwankwaso, who is the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress alongside presidential candidate Peter Obi, made the appeal while receiving members of the Fulani Farmers Association at his residence in Abuja.

The former Kano governor urged Atiku’s supporters and members of the delegation, many of whom are from Adamawa State, to persuade the former vice president to step aside and focus instead on his traditional responsibilities as the Wazirin Adamawa.

Speaking in Hausa, Kwankwaso asked the group to deliver the message to Atiku, arguing that the former vice president should consider his age and health before pursuing another presidential contest.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Kwankwaso also assured Atiku that he would not be abandoned if the NDC wins the 2027 presidential election. He said he and Obi would take good care of the former vice president, while also suggesting that an apology should be offered to him over the appeal.

Kwankwaso’s comments come amid growing political realignments among opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general election, with different groups seeking to build a strong challenge against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Atiku, who is expected to contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the African Democratic Congress, had previously acknowledged that the next election could be his final attempt at securing the presidency. He cited his age and the significance of the contest when discussing his decision earlier this year.

The former vice president has sought the presidency on several occasions and has remained one of the most prominent figures in Nigeria’s opposition politics. His decision to pursue another bid has continued to generate debate among opposition politicians and their supporters.

Kwankwaso’s latest appeal therefore adds another layer to the ongoing political discussions over opposition strategy, leadership and the choice of candidate ahead of the 2027 presidential election.