Posted by Chinenye on Fri 11th Sep, 2026 - tori.ng
The opposition race for 2027 has taken another dramatic turn after Rabiu Kwankwaso made a direct appeal to Atiku Abubakar.
(Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso. Photo Credit: X/Atiku)
The Nigeria Democratic Congress vice presidential candidate has called on Atiku Abubakar, a rival opposition candidate, to quit the 2027 presidential race and focus on his traditional role instead.
Rabiu Kwankwaso made the appeal while meeting with members of the Fulani Farmers Association at his home in Abuja.
He said Atiku should step aside and concentrate on his responsibilities as the traditional leader in his Adamawa State community.
Kwankwaso cited Atiku's age and health concerns as reasons for the call.
He urged Atiku's supporters to convince him to withdraw from the race.
Speaking in Fulani cultural language, Kwankwaso told the farmers to go to Atiku and remind him of his traditional duties given how old he is and his health status.
He promised that if the NDC wins the election, they will take good care of Atiku and his community.
Kwankwaso also said an apology should be offered to him.
The appeal comes as opposition politicians have been working to unite behind a single candidate to challenge President Tinubu in 2027.
In April, Atiku himself said the 2027 election might be his last attempt at the presidency because of his age and the importance of the race.
Atiku has run for president multiple times before in 2007, 2011, 2019 and 2023 and lost every time.
He's been a vocal supporter of restructuring Nigeria's system and pushing for economic reforms.