Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has called on former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to abandon his bid for the presidency in 2027, citing his age and health.
Kwankwaso made the appeal on Monday in Abuja while speaking during a meeting with members of the Fulani Farmers Association at his residence.
The former Kano State governor urged the group to approach Atiku and persuade him to reconsider his presidential ambition, suggesting that the former vice-president should instead concentrate on his traditional role as Wazirin Adamawa.
Speaking in Hausa, Kwankwaso said: “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 also suggested that he and Peter Obi, the NDC presidential candidate, would take care of Atiku if their ticket 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,” Kwankwaso said.
Kwankwaso’s Challenge Comes as Opposition Faces Consensus Pressure
The intervention comes at a sensitive point in Nigeria’s 2027 political calculations, with opposition groups under growing pressure to settle on a single presidential candidate.
Atiku, Peter Obi and other opposition figures have continued to maintain their presidential ambitions despite calls from various groups for contenders to step aside in favour of a consensus candidate.
The Bureau Journal has previously examined the emerging political contest in its 2027 elections guide, which highlights coalition-building and competition among opposition figures as major features of the race.
Recent reports indicate that attempts by opposition groups to produce a consensus candidate have yet to resolve the competing ambitions of major contenders.
Atiku Has Said 2027 Will Be His Final Presidential Bid
Atiku has previously acknowledged that his political journey towards the presidency is nearing its end.
The former vice-president, who will turn 81 next year, said in April that the 2027 general election would be his final attempt to become president.
Atiku has contested the presidency on three occasions, appearing on the ballot in 2007, 2019 and 2023. His latest bid is being made under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where he emerged as the party’s presidential candidate.
His decision to contest again has remained one of the most closely watched issues in the opposition camp, particularly because of the debate over whether the opposition should field one candidate against President Bola Tinubu.
Kwankwaso Points to Atiku’s Age and Health
Kwankwaso’s argument centres on two issues that have increasingly featured in Nigeria’s presidential debate: age and physical fitness for the demands of the presidency.
The former Kano governor did not present medical evidence to substantiate his reference to Atiku’s health during the meeting. His comments therefore amount to a political argument for Atiku to reconsider his candidacy rather than an established medical assessment.
The issue of age has also become a broader subject in the 2027 contest, with candidates and their supporters increasingly questioning the suitability of older politicians for the highest office in the country.
Atiku himself has recently defended his decision to remain in the race, arguing that age should not prevent him from offering himself for public service.
What the Wazirin Adamawa Title Means
Atiku was conferred with the title of Wazirin Adamawa in June 2017 by Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa, the 12th traditional ruler of the Adamawa Emirate, following the death of Muhammad Abba, the previous holder.
Before becoming Wazirin Adamawa, Atiku had held the traditional title of Turaki of Adamawa from 1982. That title was later passed to his son, Aliyu.
The Wazirin Adamawa is a senior traditional position within the Adamawa Emirate. The holder traditionally serves as a key adviser to the emir and occupies an important position within the emirate’s political and traditional structure.
However, the status of Atiku’s title became controversial in 2025 following an Adamawa State Government directive requiring kingmakers and members of traditional councils to be indigenes of the emirates or chiefdoms they represent.
The policy was reported to have affected Atiku’s position as Wazirin Adamawa because he is from Jada in the Ganye Emirate.
Atiku’s Political Agenda Remains Active
Despite the renewed pressure over his age and candidacy, Atiku has continued to campaign around issues he says should shape the 2027 election.
The Bureau Journal recently reported his proposal to reform petrol support through domestic refining, a policy position that has become part of his broader economic message.
He has also pledged to reopen Nigeria’s land borders and revive southern ports if elected, linking the proposal to trade, jobs and economic opportunity.
His political network has also continued to experience realignment ahead of 2027. The Bureau Journal recently reported how a group of politicians previously associated with Atiku’s political machinery has become involved in political structures linked to the APC in Kogi.
Atiku’s camp has also faced internal political challenges in some states, including disputes within the ADC structure in Kebbi, where aggrieved aspirants have challenged aspects of the party’s internal arrangements.
The Battle for the Opposition Ticket Is Far From Over
Kwankwaso’s intervention adds another layer to an already complicated opposition race.
While the former Kano governor is running alongside Peter Obi on the NDC ticket, Atiku is seeking the presidency through the ADC. Both political camps are positioning themselves for influence in an opposition landscape where negotiations over alliances and a possible consensus candidate remain unsettled.
The latest demand from Kwankwaso could therefore have implications beyond his personal disagreement with Atiku. It touches directly on one of the central questions surrounding the 2027 election: whether opposition leaders can put individual presidential ambitions aside and agree on a candidate capable of mounting a unified challenge.
The Bureau Journal will continue to track the evolving alliances, candidate negotiations and political calculations shaping Nigeria’s 2027 presidential contest.
Related context: The Bureau Journal’s Nigeria 2027 elections guide provides a broader look at the candidates, electoral reforms and political issues likely to shape the contest.
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