A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Chille Igbawua, has rejected former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso’s call for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race.
Kwankwaso had urged Atiku to step aside for a younger opposition candidate, citing concerns over his age and health.
Reacting during an interview on Arise Television, Igbawua, a former member of the House of Representatives and adviser to the ADC National Chairman, said there was no evidence that Atiku’s age or health would prevent him from governing the country.
“I do not know where he has data on Atiku’s health. Atiku has not changed his age, but whether at that age he cannot govern is a totally different thing,” he said.
Igbawua argued that age alone should not determine a person’s ability to govern, saying some younger politicians may not possess the mental capacity and agility he attributed to Atiku.
He also criticised the suggestion that Atiku should step aside so that the opposition could “take care of him” if it wins the election, describing the remark as insulting and damaging to opposition unity.
“To suggest that Atiku should step down so that if they win they will take care of him, how? That is an insult,” he said.
Despite the disagreement, Igbawua said the ADC remained open to dialogue with other opposition parties ahead of the 2027 election.
“At all times, we are ready for dialogue. Whether it will succeed or not is a different thing. But at least it gives the opportunity for the opposition to come together,” he said.
On the possibility of multiple opposition candidates challenging President Bola Tinubu in 2027, Igbawua expressed confidence that the ADC could defeat the incumbent.
“We would defeat the incumbent and change the country. I say that confidently,” he said.
Atiku won’t quit 2027 presidential race — ADC chieftain tackles Kwankwaso