BY  TAIBAT UMMI YAKUBU

 Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has called on former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race, arguing that the elder statesman should instead concentrate on his traditional responsibilities.

Kwankwaso made the remarks while addressing members of the Fulani Farmers Association who paid him a visit at his Abuja residence.

The former Kano State governor said supporters and associates of Atiku, who is contesting the presidency on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), should persuade him to step down from the race in view of his age and health considerations.

According to Kwankwaso, the former vice-president would be better served dedicating his time to his role as the Wazirin Adamawa rather than pursuing another presidential bid.

“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,” Kwankwaso said.

“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.

The comments add a fresh dimension to the political conversations already gathering momentum ahead of the 2027 general election, with major political figures positioning themselves and their parties for what is expected to be a fiercely contested race.

Atiku, one of Nigeria’s most prominent opposition politicians, had earlier indicated that the 2027 presidential election could mark his final attempt to occupy the country’s highest office.

Speaking in April about the prospect of contesting at nearly 80 years old, the former vice-president acknowledged that the next election would likely be his last shot at the presidency.

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

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The Adamawa-born politician has pursued the presidency on several occasions since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule.

His first notable presidential bid came during the 1993 Social Democratic Party (SDP) primaries, where he stepped down in support of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola.

He later contested the 2007 election under the Action Congress, losing to the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

In 2011, he sought the presidency again but was defeated by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

After returning to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku emerged as the party’s presidential candidate in 2019 but lost to former President Muhammadu Buhari.

He repeated the feat in 2023, securing the PDP ticket but falling short against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Over the years, Atiku has built his political message around economic reforms, private sector-led development and the restructuring of Nigeria’s governance framework.

With political realignments already underway ahead of the 2027 elections, Kwankwaso’s remarks are likely to fuel further debate over the future of the opposition and the role veteran politicians will play in shaping the next presidential contest.