Kwankwaso asks Atiku to withdraw from 2027 presidential race

THE running mate to Peter Obi on the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential ticket, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has called on former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the 2027 presidential contest.

Kwankwaso said Atiku should reconsider his ambition because of his age and health, and instead devote his attention to his traditional role in Adamawa.

The former Kano State governor made the remarks on Monday in Abuja while addressing members of the Fulani Farmers Association at his residence.

READ ALSO: Atiku: FAAC surge has not translated into stronger purchasing power

Speaking in Hausa, Kwankwaso asked the group to deliver the message to Atiku, whom he referred to by his traditional title, Wazirin Adamawa.

He also promised that he and Obi would look after the former vice-president if their ticket wins the 2027 election.

“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.

“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.”

Atiku says 2027 will be final bid

The appeal comes months after Atiku confirmed that he intends to contest the 2027 presidential election. Atiku, who will turn 81 next year, said in April that the election would be his last attempt to become president.

READ ALSO: Atiku questions N24.7tn federal borrowing as oil prices rise

The former vice-president has contested the presidency three times – in 2007, 2019 and 2023 – although he has made six attempts overall to secure the country’s top political office.

His 2027 ambition has remained a major issue in opposition politics, particularly as parties and political groups seek a candidate capable of mounting a strong challenge against President Bola Tinubu.

Kwankwaso invokes Atiku’s traditional role

Kwankwaso’s call also drew attention to Atiku’s position as Wazirin Adamawa, a prominent traditional title in the Adamawa Emirate.

Atiku received the title in June 2017 from the 12th traditional ruler of the Adamawa Emirate, Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa, following the death of the previous holder, Muhammad Abba.

He had previously held the Turaki of Adamawa title since 1982 before it was eventually passed to his son, Aliyu.

READ ALSO: Atiku: FAAC surge has not translated into stronger purchasing power

The Wazirin Adamawa is traditionally regarded as a senior figure within the emirate, serving as an adviser to the emir and playing roles in the emirate’s affairs, including the selection of traditional leadership.

The title has itself become controversial in recent years. In 2025, the Adamawa State Government introduced a policy requiring kingmakers and members of traditional councils to be indigenes of the emirates or chiefdoms they represent.

The policy was reported to have implications for Atiku’s Wazirin title because he is from Jada in the Ganye Emirate.