Kwankwaso Asks Atiku to Retire, Says ‘We’ll Care for You’

Former Kano State governor and vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has urged former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race, advising him to focus instead on his traditional responsibilities.

Kwankwaso made the appeal while receiving members of the Fulani Farmers Association at his residence in Abuja.

The NDC vice-presidential candidate urged supporters of Atiku, who is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, to persuade the former vice-president to step aside from the contest.

Speaking in Fulfulde, Kwankwaso cited Atiku’s age and health as reasons why he should retire from active pursuit of the presidency.

He urged the former vice-president to concentrate on his role as the Wazirin Adamawa, a prominent traditional title he has held since 2017.

Kwankwaso also assured Atiku that he would not be abandoned if the NDC ticket of Peter Obi and himself wins the 2027 presidential election.

He said that if their political alliance succeeds, they would take care of the former vice-president, while appealing for understanding over his comments.

The remarks come amid increasing competition among opposition politicians seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

Atiku and Obi have both emerged as major figures in the opposition’s efforts to produce a formidable political alternative. However, disagreements over the choice of presidential candidate and the structure of any possible alliance have continued to generate debate.

Atiku has contested the presidency several times, including the 2007, 2019 and 2023 elections. He lost the 2019 and 2023 presidential contests after emerging as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party.

In April, Atiku acknowledged that the 2027 election could be his final attempt at becoming Nigeria’s president. He said the stakes were high and described the forthcoming contest as likely to be his last outing.

Kwankwaso’s latest comments therefore add another dimension to the ongoing opposition negotiations ahead of the 2027 election.

The call for Atiku to retire is likely to fuel further debate within opposition circles over age, experience, political relevance and the need for a candidate capable of mounting a strong challenge to the ruling party.