Former Kano State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has taken a fresh swipe at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, urging him to return to his hometown in Adamawa State and concentrate on his traditional responsibilities.
Kwankwaso made the remark in Abuja while receiving members of the Fulani Farmers Association at his residence, according to a report by Vanguard.
The comment comes amid growing political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 general elections, with several opposition figures positioning themselves for what is expected to be a highly competitive presidential contest.
Kwankwaso, who was the NDC presidential candidate in the 2023 election under the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, before becoming the party’s vice-presidential candidate in the current political arrangement, appeared to question Atiku’s continued involvement in active national politics.
He told the former Vice President to return home and focus on his chieftaincy duties, adding that those around him would take care of him.
The statement is likely to attract attention because of the long political relationship and rivalry between the two northern political heavyweights.
Atiku, a former Vice President who served under President Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2007, has remained one of the most prominent opposition figures in Nigeria. He has contested the presidency several times and is currently involved in preparations for the 2027 election.
Atiku was also declared the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the 2023 election, while Kwankwaso contested the same election under the NNPP.
Their political paths have crossed on several occasions, including during the 2019 and 2023 election cycles. Kwankwaso contested the PDP presidential primary in 2018, where Atiku eventually emerged as the party’s candidate.
The latest comments therefore add another layer to the political contest involving some of Nigeria’s most experienced northern politicians.
Kwankwaso’s remarks also come at a time when opposition politicians are increasingly debating how best to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in 2027.
The opposition landscape has witnessed a number of realignments, with politicians moving between political platforms and exploring possible alliances ahead of the next presidential election.
Atiku has continued to feature prominently in those discussions, while Kwankwaso has also maintained a significant political following, particularly in Kano and parts of northern Nigeria.
Beyond the political rivalry, Kwankwaso’s comments touched on Atiku’s traditional title and responsibilities in Adamawa.
Atiku holds the traditional title of Waziri of Adamawa, a position that carries considerable recognition within the traditional structure of the state. He was given the Waziri title in 2017, after previously holding the title of Turaki of Adamawa.
Kwankwaso’s suggestion that Atiku should concentrate on his traditional responsibilities therefore appeared to be a pointed political message rather than a simple reference to his background.
The statement comes as politicians across the country intensify their preparations for the 2027 elections. Political parties are already building alliances, strengthening structures and courting influential figures ahead of the contest.
For the opposition, the major challenge remains how to unite several political interests behind a strategy capable of mounting a serious challenge to the ruling APC.
The possibility of alliances among major opposition figures has remained a major subject of discussion, particularly given the political influence of personalities such as Atiku, Kwankwaso and Peter Obi.
Kwankwaso’s latest comments could consequently fuel further debate over the future direction of the opposition and the personalities expected to play leading roles in the 2027 contest.
While the former Kano governor has urged Atiku to step back and focus on his traditional duties, Atiku has continued to participate in political discussions surrounding the next presidential election.
As the 2027 election approaches, statements from the two politicians are likely to remain closely watched, especially as negotiations, alliances and political realignments continue to reshape Nigeria’s opposition landscape.
For now, Kwankwaso’s message to Atiku is unmistakable: he believes the former Vice President should return home, focus on his chieftaincy responsibilities and leave the political battle to those currently taking up the challenge.
Whether Atiku will accept that advice, however, remains another question entirely.
