Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate, has urged former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race, citing his age and health.
Kwankwaso made the call in Abuja while receiving members of the Fulani Farmers Association at his residence. He asked Atiku’s supporters to persuade him to abandon his bid and focus instead on his traditional responsibilities as the Wazirin Adamawa.
“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 also promised to care for Atiku if his political camp wins 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.
Kwankwaso’s comments come months after Atiku acknowledged that age could make the 2027 election his final attempt to become president.
In April, Atiku said the high stakes surrounding the election would likely determine whether he seeks the presidency again.
“Certainly yes, because the stakes are higher and I believe that will be my last outing,” he said when asked whether turning 80 by 2027 would affect his decision.
Atiku, who is now 79, has pursued the presidency for decades. His latest bid comes under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which he joined as part of efforts to build a stronger opposition platform ahead of the 2027 election.
