‘Go home and rest, we’ll take care of you’ — Kwankwaso tells Atiku to shun 2027 ambition

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who is contesting for the post of vice president for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has asked the former vice-president, Atiku Abubakar, to go back home in Adamawa State and give more focus to his cultural duties.

These comments were made by Kwankwaso at Abuja when he met with members of the Fulani Farmers Association.

The video of the meeting was posted by Habibu Bello Mayana on X.

Speaking about Atiku, Kwankwaso appealed to people from Adamawa to persuade the former vice-president to return home and concentrate on his chieftaincy responsibilities, assuring that he would be properly cared for.

“Tell the Waziri of Adamawa, Atiku Abubakar, in Fulfulde, to return to his hometown and give proper attention to his chieftaincy responsibilities, considering his age and physical condition. We promise that we will take care of him,” Kwankwaso said.

He added, “Those of you who come from Adamawa should know how to appeal to him and make him understand.”

The former Kano State governor also questioned Atiku’s suitability to govern Nigeria at this stage of the country’s development.

According to Kwankwaso, the former vice-president would have been better suited to lead Nigeria several decades ago, particularly around 1993.

“The Nigeria of today is no longer the kind of country that is suitable for him to rule. Nigeria was better suited for him about 30 years ago, especially in 1993,” he said.

Kwankwaso recalled his political relationship with Atiku during the political events of 1993, when he served as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“When we went to Jos at that time, I was the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, and we voted for him,” he recalled.

The remarks come amid heightened political activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with both Kwankwaso and Atiku positioning themselves on opposing political platforms.

Kwankwaso is the NDC vice-presidential candidate alongside Peter Obi, while Atiku is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Kwankwaso’s comments are likely to further highlight the political rivalry between the two former allies as opposition figures intensify their campaigns ahead of the 2027 election.