Kwankwaso Asks Fulani Leaders to Persuade Atiku to Quit 2027 Presidential Race

Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, the Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has called on members of the Fulani community to persuade former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the 2027 presidential contest.

Kwankwaso made the appeal when members of the Fulani Farmers Association visited him at his residence in Abuja.

He urged the group to approach Atiku, who is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and encourage him to step aside from the race, citing his age and health.

According to Kwankwaso, Atiku should instead concentrate on his traditional responsibilities as the Wazirin Adamawa.

“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.

Kwankwaso also assured the visitors that Atiku would be treated with respect and care should his political camp emerge victorious.

“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,” he added.

Atiku, who will be 80 in 2027, had himself acknowledged earlier in April that the forthcoming presidential election could be his final attempt at becoming Nigeria’s President.

Responding to a question about whether his age would make the 2027 contest more significant, Atiku said the stakes were higher and indicated that it would likely be his last presidential bid.

“Certainly yes, because the stakes are higher and I believe that will be my last outing,” he had said.

Kwankwaso’s latest appeal therefore adds a fresh dimension to the political debate over Atiku’s continued pursuit of the presidency ahead of the 2027 general election.