2027: Morka Tackles Kwankwaso Over Promise to Take Care of Atiku

All Progressives Congress spokesman Felix Morka has criticised former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso over his call for former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race.

Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, had urged Atiku to abandon his presidential ambition and support the NDC ticket led by Peter Obi.

Speaking while receiving members of the Fulani Farmers Association at his Abuja residence, Kwankwaso cited Atiku’s age and health and urged him to concentrate on his traditional responsibilities as the Wazirin Adamawa.

He also promised that he and Obi would “take good care” of Atiku if their political camp wins the 2027 election.

The statement has drawn criticism from political opponents, with Morka questioning the nature of the promise and the circumstances under which Atiku would supposedly be taken care of.

The controversy comes amid growing efforts by opposition politicians to build a common political platform capable of challenging President Bola Tinubu and the APC in 2027.

Atiku emerged as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress earlier this year, while Obi and Kwankwaso are now campaigning together under the NDC.

The competing opposition camps have remained divided over which political figure should lead a possible coalition against the ruling party.

Kwankwaso’s intervention has further intensified the disagreement, particularly because he directly appealed to Atiku’s supporters to persuade the former vice-president to step aside.

He told his audience to visit Atiku and explain that, given his age and health, he should focus on his traditional role rather than pursue another presidential bid.

The former vice-president has previously acknowledged that the 2027 election could be his final attempt at the presidency, but he has continued to pursue the ambition.

Atiku has remained a major figure in Nigeria’s opposition politics after several unsuccessful presidential bids, including his 2019 and 2023 contests.

Kwankwaso’s remarks have therefore added another layer to the increasingly competitive struggle for opposition support ahead of the 2027 election.

With the major opposition blocs yet to agree on a single presidential candidate, exchanges between their leaders and representatives are expected to continue as political negotiations intensify.