2027: “Step Down for Us,” NDC Vice-Presidential Candidate Kwankwaso Calls on Atiku

Vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the leader of the Kwankwassiyya Movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has sent a direct message to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, urging him to step down and support a fresh coalition ticket, assuring him that he will be well taken care of if the movement clinches the presidency.

The renewed friction comes amid intense negotiations among opposition heavyweights trying to build a formidable front. However, deep-seated disagreements over who should fly the opposition’s consensus flag have continued to stall unity talks.

Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano, made this known at his residence in Abuja during a meeting with members of the Fulani Farmers Association.

According to him, Atiku should step down from his presidential ambition because of his age and health.

He added that he and Obi would take care of Atiku if they won the presidency.

“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 in Hausa.

“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.”

Abubakar has run for the number one office six times, but has been on the ballot as a presidential candidate on three occasions — 2007, 2019, and 2023.

In April, the former vice president, who will turn 81 next year, said the 2027 general election would be his last attempt at the presidency.