Kwankwaso Urges Atiku to Step Aside Ahead of 2027 Presidency

Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has called on former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to reconsider his ambition to contest the 2027 presidential election and focus instead on his traditional responsibilities.

Kwankwaso made the statement when members of the Fulani Farmers Association visited him at his residence in Abuja, where discussions also centred on political developments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The former Kano State governor questioned Atiku’s decision to seek the presidency again, citing the former vice-president’s age and health as reasons for him to withdraw from the race.

Kwankwaso specifically appealed to Atiku’s supporters, particularly those from Adamawa State, to encourage him 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,” Kwankwaso said.

He added that if his political camp succeeds in 2027, they would take good care of Atiku.

“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,” he said.

Kwankwaso’s comments come amid increasing political activity and consultations among opposition figures as political parties and their potential candidates begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Atiku has previously acknowledged that the 2027 election could be his final attempt at becoming president. In April, when asked whether turning 80 by 2027 would make the contest more significant, he responded that the stakes were higher and described the election as likely to be his “last outing.”

The former vice-president has contested the presidency several times over the years. He ran under different political platforms in 2007, 2011, 2019 and 2023, but was unsuccessful in each election.

Kwankwaso’s remarks add to the growing debate over Atiku’s political future and the direction of Nigeria’s opposition ahead of the 2027 election.

Atiku remains one of the country’s most prominent opposition figures and has continued to pursue political alliances despite his previous presidential defeats. His decision to seek the presidency again has also raised questions about whether experienced political figures should continue to contest or give younger politicians greater opportunity to lead.

For Kwankwaso, who is also positioning himself within the opposition camp ahead of 2027, Atiku’s continued presidential ambition represents part of the wider competition for influence and leadership among opposition politicians.

The disagreement highlights the challenges facing efforts to build a unified opposition platform, particularly as prominent politicians pursue different ambitions and strategies for the next presidential contest.

Kwankwaso’s call for Atiku to step aside is likely to intensify discussions about the former vice-president’s political future and the struggle for influence within Nigeria’s opposition.

With Atiku indicating that 2027 could be his final presidential contest, the debate is expected to continue as political parties, candidates and their supporters prepare for another closely contested election.