Kwankwaso to Atiku: Retire, we’ll care for you

Rabiu Kwankwaso has called on former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to abandon his bid for the 2027 presidency, arguing that the former presidential candidate should instead devote his time to his traditional responsibilities.

Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), made the appeal on Monday when he hosted members of the Fulani Farmers Association at his residence in Abuja.

The former Kano State governor, who is the running mate to NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi, cited Atiku’s age and health while urging his supporters to persuade him to withdraw from the contest.

Speaking in Hausa, Kwankwaso said, “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 further promised that he and Obi would look after the former vice-president if their ticket wins 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.

Atiku, who has sought the presidency several times, has been the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2019 and 2023 elections and contested the 2007 presidential election under the Action Congress.

The former vice-president, who will turn 81 next year, said in April that the 2027 election would be his final attempt to become Nigeria’s president.

Kwankwaso’s remarks therefore come as opposition politicians continue to position themselves ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.

Atiku was installed as the Wazirin Adamawa in June 2017 by the late Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa, the 12th Emir of Adamawa, following the death of Muhammad Abba, who previously held the title.

He had earlier occupied the Turaki of Adamawa title from 1982 before it was subsequently transferred to his son, Aliyu.

The Wazirin Adamawa is one of the prominent traditional titles in the Adamawa Emirate. Its holder traditionally serves as a senior adviser to the emir, a key member of the emirate council and one of the kingmakers.

However, the status of Atiku’s title became contentious in 2025 after the Adamawa State Government directed that kingmakers and members of traditional councils must be indigenes of the emirates or chiefdoms they represent.

The policy triggered questions over Atiku’s eligibility to retain the Wazirin Adamawa title because he is from Jada in the Ganye Emirate rather than the Adamawa Emirate.