The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, has urged former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race.

Kwankwaso made the call while receiving members of the Fulani Farmers Association, who paid him a visit at his residence in Abuja.

The former Kano State governor urged Atiku to step aside from the presidential contest and concentrate on his traditional responsibilities as the Wazirin Adamawa.

He also cited Atiku’s age and health as reasons for his appeal, urging supporters of the former vice-president to persuade him to abandon his presidential ambition.

“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.

“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,” Kwankwaso said.

The call comes amid ongoing efforts by opposition political actors to unite under a common platform ahead of the 2027 presidential election and challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Atiku had in April indicated that the 2027 election could be his final attempt at the presidency, citing his age and the significance of the contest.

The former vice-president has contested the Nigerian presidency several times, including in 2007, 2011, 2019 and 2023, but was unsuccessful on each occasion.

Atiku has continued to advocate restructuring, economic liberalisation and private sector-led growth as key pillars for Nigeria’s development.