Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race.
The former Kano State governor made the call on Monday while speaking at his Abuja residence during a meeting with members of the Fulani Farmers Association.
Kwankwaso cited Atiku’s age and health as reasons for the former vice president to reconsider his presidential ambition.
He added that he and NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi would take care of Atiku if they win the 2027 presidential 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,” he said in Hausa.
“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.”
Abubakar has pursued the presidency six times, but he appeared on the presidential ballot only three times, in 2007, 2019 and 2023.
In April, the former vice-president, who will turn 81 next year, said the 2027 general election would be his last attempt at the presidency.
Backstory…
Atiku was appointed as the Wazirin Adamawa by Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa, the 12th traditional ruler of the Adamawa Emirate, following the death of the previous titleholder, Muhammad Abba, in June 2017.
Having served as the Turaki of Adamawa since 1982, Atiku subsequently passed that traditional title down to his son, Aliyu.
Within the Adamawa Emirate, the Wazirin Adamawa functions as a high-ranking traditional office, acting as the emir’s prime minister, most senior council member, kingmaker, and principal advisor.
Under a regulation enacted by the Adamawa State Government in 2025, all kingmakers and traditional council members are required to be indigene-natives of the specific emirates or chiefdoms they serve.
Reports suggest that Atiku, who hails from Jada within the Ganye Emirate, was stripped of the Wazirin Adamawa title pursuant to this policy framework.
Read Also: ‘2027 Is My Last’- Atiku Rules Out Presidential Bid After Six Attempts
