Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has called on former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the 2027 presidential contest.
Kwankwaso appealed in Abuja while addressing members of the Fulani Farmers Association at his residence on Monday.
The former Kano governor said Atiku should reconsider his ambition in view of his age and health.
He also promised that an NDC administration led by Peter Obi would continue to support the former vice-president if the party wins the 2027 election.
Kwankwaso urged the delegation to approach Atiku and advise him in Fulfulde to concentrate on his traditional responsibilities rather than pursue another presidential bid.
“Tell the Wazirin of Adamawa that, at his age and considering his health, it is time to focus on his traditional responsibilities,” Kwankwaso said.
He added that Atiku would not be abandoned if Obi and he secured victory at the polls.
“If Allah gives us victory, we will take good care of him. He deserves respect and care,” he said, while also urging the group to apologise to Atiku over the appeal.
Atiku has remained a major figure in Nigeria’s presidential politics for decades.
He has sought the presidency on several occasions and contested the election as a presidential candidate in 2007, 2019 and 2023.
The former vice-president said in April that the 2027 election would be his final attempt to become Nigeria’s president.
Atiku, who is due to turn 81 next year, was given the Wazirin Adamawa title in June 2017 by the late Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa, the 12th Emir of Adamawa.
He had previously held the Turaki of Adamawa title, which he received in 1982. The position was later transferred to his son, Aliyu.
The Wazirin Adamawa is one of the most influential traditional positions in the Adamawa Emirate. Its holder traditionally serves as a senior adviser to the emir and plays a role in the emirate’s council and succession process.
The status of Atiku’s traditional title, however, became controversial after the Adamawa State Government introduced a policy in 2025 requiring kingmakers and members of traditional councils to be indigenes of the emirates or chiefdoms they represent.
The policy raised questions over Atiku’s continued eligibility for the Wazirin Adamawa position because he is from Jada in the Ganye Emirate.
Kwankwaso’s latest appeal adds another political dimension to the debate over Atiku’s 2027 ambition as opposition figures position themselves ahead of the presidential election.