🎧
Listen to this article
The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race.
Kwankwaso made the call on Monday at his residence in Abuja during a meeting with members of the Fulani Farmers Association, urging the group to relay his appeal directly to the elder statesman.
Kwankwaso, who serves as the running mate to NDC presidential flagbearer Peter Obi, cited Atiku’s advanced age and health conditions as the primary reasons he should reconsider his presidential bid.
He urged the former vice president to step aside from active national politics and concentrate on his traditional responsibilities as the Wazirin Adamawa.
Addressing the visiting delegation 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”.
Pledging that the NDC leadership would support Atiku if victorious, Kwankwaso added, “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”.
Atiku emerged as the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate in May 2026, marking a significant political transition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The 2027 contest will mark Atiku’s sixth presidential campaign, having first run for the nation’s highest office during the 1993 democratic transition.
Atiku previously contested the 2019 presidential election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, losing to former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Announcing his political platform at the International Conference Centre in Abuja, Atiku declared, “This time around is different; our journey will not end at the poll; we will get to work and rescue Nigeria. I invite every Nigerian to join me in this mission to save our dear country.”
Reaffirming his belief in the country’s potential, he stated, “Nigeria is a land of possibility. There is no challenging background that will make any Nigerian give up. I am a living witness to what is possible in Nigeria.”
Outlining his economic strategy, Atiku pledged that a government under his leadership would “operate a liberal economy that allows small businesses to grow through lower taxes for small businesses and low-income earners”.
Detailing his priority agenda, he added, “Under my presidency, I want to focus on five key areas: the unity of Nigeria, security, economy, education and devolving more resources and powers to the federating units”.
Expressing confidence in his campaign outlook, Atiku concluded, “I have never been this optimistic, and with your support and God’s grace, we will get to the promised land”.
No Comments