2027: WHY I ASKED ATIKU TO STEP DOWN FOR PETER OBI – KWANKWASO

The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has explained why he wants former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to step down for Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 general election.

He cited the duo’s longstanding political relationship and the need to make way for a new political arrangement. The explanation came during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday.

THE CALL

Asked whether he was insisting that Atiku should abandon his presidential ambition, Kwankwaso answered in the affirmative. “Well, yes,” he said.

Kwankwaso disclosed that he recently used a visit by a group of Fulani people from across the country to encourage them to speak with Atiku about withdrawing from the race. “I had some people, coincidentally, a group of Fulanis from across the country who came for a courtesy visit to my house. And I thought it was an opportunity for me, really, to talk to them and ask them that they should create time before they go back to their towns and villages to talk to him,” he said.

THE RELATIONSHIP

Kwankwaso stressed that his position was not driven by personal animosity, noting that he had known Atiku for decades.

“His Excellency Vice-President Atiku Abubakar is somebody that I know fairly well. And we have done so much together with him in the past. In fact, more than anybody who is around him today,” Kwankwaso said.

He traced their relationship to 1993, when both men were involved in the political movement led by the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua.

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“I remember in 1993, he was in our group under the leadership of General Shehu Musa Yar’adua and he was our choice for the presidential candidate of the SDP,” he said.

He recalled Atiku’s political role in 2003 and the support he received from Kano in the 2007 presidential election. “So also in 2007, almost 90% of our votes from Kano were given to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar,” Kwankwaso said.

THE REASON

Kwankwaso maintained that asking Atiku to step aside should not be interpreted as a personal attack, insisting that their shared political history informed his appeal.

He said political opportunities have their seasons and that leaders must recognise when to make way for new arrangements.

THE CONTEXT

Kwankwaso’s call is part of ongoing negotiations over opposition unity ahead of 2027.

Atiku has contested the presidency multiple times and has said the 2027 election will be his final attempt. He will turn 81 next year.

Obi, the NDC presidential candidate, has ruled out stepping down for Atiku, saying the issue is no longer about individuals but about political parties coming together.

WHY IT MATTERS

The exchange highlights the fragmentation of the opposition ahead of 2027. If Atiku and Obi both run, they will split the anti-Tinubu vote, potentially benefiting the ruling APC.

Kwankwaso’s call for Atiku to step down reflects an awareness of this risk.But Atiku has shown no indication that he intends to withdraw, and Obi has ruled out stepping down.

The opposition remains divided.

ValidViewNetwork reports that Kwankwaso made the remarks on Channels Television. Atiku has not responded directly to the call.