BY AHMED AKANBI
An African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Chile Igbawua, has fired back at a former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso over his call for party’s presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the 2027 race, describing the remarks as an insult.
Igbawua, Adviser to the ADC National Chairman, David Mark, said Kwankwaso’s suggestion that Atiku should step aside due to age and health was disrespectful and politically damaging to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Speaking on Arise TV, Igbawua faulted Kwankwaso’s promise that an NDC government would “take care” of Atiku if it wins in 2027.
“To suggest that Atiku should step down and if they win they will take care of him is an insult. Take care of him in what way? Is that the essence of winning the election for Nigeria? You don’t want to take care of Nigeria, you want to take care of Atiku,” he said.
Igbawua said the comments could hurt the NDC’s standing ahead of 2027, at a time when opposition parties are trying to consolidate against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Kwankwaso has done a lot of damage for NDC by saying that. You don’t insult somebody with words you cannot defend,” he added.
The vice presidential candidate of NDC, had made the call while meeting members of the Fulani Farmers Association at his Abuja residence, urging them to appeal to Atiku to abandon his presidential ambition.
Citing Atiku’s age and health, the former Kano governor 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.”
“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.
Atiku, who turns 81 next year, is the ADC presidential candidate. The party has become a rallying platform for several opposition politicians ahead of 2027. Kwankwaso is contesting as NDC’s vice-presidential candidate.
The clash revives the rivalry between both men. In 2023, Atiku ran for president under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP while Kwankwaso contested under the New Nigeria Peoples Peoples Party, NNPP. Atiku has said the 2027 election will likely be his final shot at the presidency.
With opposition realignments intensifying, political observers said remarks like Kwankwaso’s would shape alliances and voter perceptions in what is expected to be a fiercely contested election.