KANO, NIGERIA — The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race, citing his age and health, and urging him to focus on his traditional duties instead of pursuing the presidency for a sixth time.
Kwankwaso made the call during a political engagement in Kano on Wednesday, where he addressed supporters and party stakeholders on the NDC’s preparations for the 2027 elections. He argued that Atiku, who will be 81 years old by the time of the election, should step aside for a younger generation of leaders capable of bringing fresh ideas and energy to governance.
“Atiku has contested for the presidency many times. He has done his best, but there comes a time when a leader must consider his health and his legacy. I think it is time for him to step back and allow younger Nigerians to take the lead,” Kwankwaso stated.
The former Kano State Governor said his appeal was not a personal attack on Atiku but a reflection of his concern for the future of Nigeria. He argued that the country needed a president with the physical stamina, mental agility, and fresh perspective to tackle its complex challenges, and that the office of the president was too demanding for anyone of advanced age.
“Governance is not a retirement job. It requires energy, vigour, and the capacity to work long hours. We need a president who can hit the ground running from day one,” Kwankwaso said. “Atiku should focus on his family, his businesses, and his role as an elder statesman. He should not put himself through the rigours of another presidential campaign.”
Kwankwaso’s remarks come amid ongoing political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 elections, with Atiku already securing the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress. The former vice president has remained defiant in the face of criticisms about his age, insisting that he remains mentally and physically fit to lead Nigeria. Atiku has pointed to his experience and his track record in the private and public sectors as evidence of his capacity to govern effectively.
The NDC vice-presidential candidate also used the occasion to outline his party’s agenda for the 2027 elections, focusing on security, economic development, and youth empowerment. He said the NDC was committed to building a Nigeria where every citizen would have access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
Kwankwaso’s call for Atiku to quit the race has sparked mixed reactions among political observers, with some describing it as a strategic move to consolidate opposition support around the NDC ticket, while others have dismissed it as political grandstanding. The relationship between Kwankwaso and Atiku has been fraught with political tensions since the collapse of the opposition coalition that once brought them together under the ADC.
As the 2027 elections approach, the contest between the various opposition parties is expected to intensify, with candidates jostling for the support of voters across the country. For now, Kwankwaso’s appeal adds another layer of drama to an already crowded and unpredictable presidential race.
