2027 presidency: I spoke to some Fulani people to ask Atiku to withdraw – Kwankwaso

The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has disclosed that he spoke to some Fulani people to persuade former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race.

Kwankwaso made the disclosure while reiterating his position that Atiku should reconsider his presidential ambition and focus on his traditional responsibilities.

The former Kano State governor had earlier urged members of the Fulani Farmers Association, who visited him at his residence in Abuja, to approach Atiku and encourage him to step aside from the contest.

According to Kwankwaso, Atiku, who holds the traditional title of Wazirin Adamawa, should consider his age and health before deciding whether to pursue another presidential bid.

He also assured the former vice-president that he and the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, would take care of him if their party wins the 2027 election.

Kwankwaso’s comments come amid ongoing political realignments among opposition parties ahead of the next general election, with discussions continuing over the possibility of cooperation among key opposition figures.

During his interaction with the Fulani association members, Kwankwaso urged them to convey his message to Atiku in the Fulfulde language.

He said the former vice-president should concentrate on his traditional responsibilities, adding that an apology should be extended to him.

The NDC vice-presidential candidate also assured the delegation that Atiku would be treated with respect if the opposition platform secured victory in the 2027 election.

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has previously indicated that the 2027 election could be his final attempt at the presidency.

The former vice-president has contested the presidential election on several occasions, including in 2007, 2011, 2019 and 2023.

Kwankwaso’s remarks have added to the debate over the strategies opposition parties may adopt to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

The possibility of opposition parties forming a broader alliance has featured prominently in political discussions, particularly over whether individual candidates should retain their ambitions or consider arrangements that could consolidate opposition support.

Peter Obi, who is expected to run alongside Kwankwaso on the NDC platform, has also addressed calls for him to step aside for Atiku, maintaining that any such arrangement would involve decisions by the political parties concerned.

Meanwhile, Atiku has continued to pursue his political ambition under the ADC, with supporters mobilising ahead of the next general election.

Kwankwaso’s latest comments underscore the continuing negotiations and competing positions within Nigeria’s opposition camp as political actors prepare for the 2027 presidential contest.