The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has rejected a call by former Kano State Gov. Rabiu Kwankwaso for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race.
Kwankwaso, the running mate to Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate Peter Obi, had urged Atiku to step aside, citing his age and health.
Speaking while receiving members of the Fulani Farmers Association at his Abuja residence, Kwankwaso asked them to appeal to Atiku to focus on his traditional responsibilities as 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 promised that Atiku would be taken care of if he and Obi win 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,” he said.
But Chille Igbawua, an ADC chieftain and special adviser to the party’s National Chairman, David Mark, said Atiku would not quit the race because of Kwankwaso’s comments.
Igbawua dismissed the suggestion that Atiku should step aside, insisting that the ADC candidate would remain in the contest.
The comments came as a fresh dispute emerged between the two opposition camps, which are seeking to defeat President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
A separate response from Mark’s aide criticised Kwankwaso’s remarks, saying he had insulted Atiku and damaged the NDC with his comments.
The aide argued that Kwankwaso’s remarks were unnecessary, particularly as opposition politicians have continued to talk about cooperation ahead of the election.
The ADC has previously defended Atiku’s candidacy, with Igbawua saying the former vice president has strong political standing and that the party is building its campaign around policies rather than personalities.
Atiku, who has contested the presidency several times, acknowledged earlier this year that the 2027 election could be his final attempt.
“Certainly yes, because the stakes are higher and I believe that will be my last outing,” he said in April.
The latest exchange adds to tensions among opposition figures as efforts continue to produce a united challenge to T
inubu in 2027.
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