The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has urged former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race, citing his age and health.
Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State, made the call on Monday at his residence in Abuja during a meeting with members of the Fulani Farmers Association.
The NDC running mate to presidential candidate Peter Obi urged Atiku to reconsider his ambition, saying the former vice-president should instead focus on his traditional responsibilities.
Speaking in Hausa, 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 further assured Atiku that he and Obi would take care of him if they emerged victorious in the 2027 election.
“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.
Atiku, who will turn 81 in November 2026, has contested for Nigeria’s presidency multiple times and has appeared on the ballot as a presidential candidate in 2007, 2019 and 2023.
In April, the former vice-president said the 2027 election would be his final attempt to become president.
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Kwankwaso’s comments come amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with Atiku and Obi emerging as prominent figures in the opposition camp.
Atiku was conferred with the traditional title of Wazirin Adamawa in June 2017 by the late Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa, the 12th traditional ruler of the Adamawa Emirate, following the death of Muhammad Abba, the previous holder of the title.
Before becoming Wazirin Adamawa, Atiku had held the title of Turaki of Adamawa since 1982. The Turaki title was later transferred to his son, Aliyu.
The Wazirin Adamawa is a prominent traditional title within the Adamawa Emirate, with the holder traditionally serving as a senior adviser to the emir and playing significant roles in the emirate’s council and succession processes.
However, the Adamawa State Government introduced a policy in 2025 requiring kingmakers and members of traditional councils to be indigenes of the emirates or chiefdoms they represent.
The policy reportedly affected Atiku’s status as Wazirin Adamawa because he is from Jada, which is within the Ganye Emirate.
Kwankwaso’s latest remarks add another dimension to the political contest ahead of the 2027 election, particularly as opposition politicians continue to negotiate alliances and strategies aimed at challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress.