Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race in favor of NDC flagbearer Peter Obi.
​Kwankwaso made the appeal during a high-level consultation meeting at his private residence in Maitama, Abuja, following a visit by a delegation of northern socio-political groups and elders.
​Addressing reporters and community leaders at 11:30 AM following the closed-door session, Kwankwaso emphasized that his call was rooted in mutual respect, shared political history, and the necessity of paving the way for a viable opposition front.
​”What I am trying to say is that we are not against him,” Kwankwaso stated. “The two sides, we have worked together with him for years, so everything has its time. In politics, leadership transitions require strategic realignment to accommodate new political realities and ensure a united opposition.”
The meeting took place at Senator Kwankwaso’s residence in Maitama, Abuja, where political leaders gathered to review coalition strategies ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Kwankwaso highlighted his personal and political ties with Atiku, noting that stepping aside should not be viewed as an attempt to undermine the elder statesman, but as a selfless gesture to build a formidable opposition consensus around Peter Obi.
Kwankwaso noted that the changing political dynamics require opposition leaders to consolidate forces rather than split votes across multiple parties.
​Responding to Kwankwaso’s remarks, representatives from both political camps issued statements clarifying their positions:
NDC National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson said”The proposal made by Senator Kwankwaso reflects the strategic vision of the NDC to build a broad-based coalition capable of offering Nigerians a clear alternative in 2027. We believe that aligning behind Peter Obi offers the opposition its most competitive structure.”
Media Adviser to Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibe: ​”Atiku Abubakar remains deeply committed to democratic engagement and opposition unity. However, any decision regarding party candidacies and coalitions must follow due process and democratic consensus within the party framework rather than individual calls for withdrawal.”
​The appeal comes amid ongoing negotiations among key opposition factions seeking to merge or form alliances to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming 2027 general election.
While the ADC leadership has yet to issue a formal directive regarding candidate withdrawals, political analysts view Kwankwaso’s public call as a critical moment in the broader coalition talks reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape.
