Chile Igbawua, the adviser to the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, David Mark, has said that the presidential candidate of the party, Atiku Abubakar, has been insulted by the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Kwankwaso, over the suggestion that the former vice president should step down and be taken care of.
Igbawua also said that Kwankwaso has done a lot of damage to the NDC by this particular comment, saying that it suggests Kwankwaso has no plans to take care of ordinary Nigerians but fellow politicians.
Speaking on Arise News, Igbawua said that suggesting that Atiku should step down and that if the NDC wins, they will take care of him is an insult, wondering if that was the essence of winning the election.
Recall that Kwankwaso had, on Monday, asked Atiku to step down from the 2027 presidential race. He made the plea at his residence in Abuja during a meeting with members of the Fulani Farmers Association.
The running mate to Peter Obi, the NDC presidential candidate, urged Atiku to reconsider his presidential ambition, citing his age and health. He added that they would take care of the former president if they won the election, but did not explain how.
Igbawua said, “If someone makes a proposition, if it is reasonable, it will be easier for you to take it or not to take it. But to suggest that Atiku should step down so that if they win, they will take care of him. How? That is an insult.
“Take care of him in what way? Is that the essence of winning election for Nigeria? You don’t get to take care of Nigeria. You want to take care of Atiku in what way? You want to pay his hospital bills? You want to provide food in his house and for the millions of people that are with him? So that’s why I said what Kwankwaso has said amounts to an insult, and he doesn’t mean well for the opposition.
“In fact, he has done a lot of damage to the NDC by saying that, because he is creating a gulf, you don’t insult somebody in words that you cannot defend. If you had said, ‘Look, when we win, you can stay back and advise us on how you want us…’ I will understand.
“Maybe there’s some sense, but to say we’ll take care of you. That means you give him some coins. That sounds patronizing. Very patronising, and I think it is absolutely irresponsible.”
While Atiku Abubakar will fly the flag of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) with former Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Amaechi, as his running mate, Peter Obi will contest the 2027 presidential election as the candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, with Rabiu Kwankwaso as his running mate.
2027: ‘You’ve insulted Atiku, damaged NDC’ – David Mark’s aide slams Kwankwaso