Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has urged former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race, citing his age and health.

Kwankwaso made the appeal on Monday in Abuja while speaking during a meeting with members of the Fulani Farmers Association.

The former Kano State governor, who is the running mate to NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi, said Atiku should concentrate on his traditional role as Wazirin Adamawa rather than pursue another presidential bid.

Speaking in Hausa, Kwankwaso urged the association members to visit Atiku and advise him to reconsider his 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,” he said.

Kwankwaso further assured Atiku that he and Obi would take care of him if their political alliance succeeds in 2027.

“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 added.

Atiku, who will turn 81 next year, has contested the presidency three times, as the candidate of the Action Congress in 2007 and the Peoples Democratic Party in 2019 and 2023, although he has sought the office on six occasions.

In April, the former vice-president said the 2027 election would be his final attempt at becoming Nigeria’s president.

Atiku was conferred with the title of Wazirin Adamawa in June 2017 following the death of Muhammad Abba, the previous holder of the title. He had earlier held the title of Turaki of Adamawa from 1982 before it was passed to his son, Aliyu.

The Wazirin Adamawa is traditionally regarded as a senior position within the Adamawa Emirate, with responsibilities including serving as the emir’s chief adviser, prime minister and a kingmaker.

However, the status of Atiku’s traditional title became contentious after the Adamawa State Government introduced a policy in 2025 requiring kingmakers and members of traditional councils to be indigenes of the emirates or chiefdoms they represent.

The policy was reported to have affected Atiku’s position because he is from Jada in Ganye Emirate.