Obi, Kwankwaso Take Different Positions As 2027 Battle With Atiku Intensifies

Obi, Kwankwaso Take Different Positions As 2027 Battle With Atiku Intensifies

The opposition camp appears increasingly divided ahead of 2027 as Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso take different positions on Atiku Abubakar’s presidential ambition.

Kwankwaso, Obi’s running mate under the Nigeria Democratic Congress, urged Atiku to withdraw from the presidential race and focus on his traditional responsibilities.

He made the call on Thursday while receiving members of the Fulani Farmers Association at his residence in Abuja.

Kwankwaso cited Atiku’s age and health, urging his supporters to persuade the former vice-president to step aside from the contest.

“Go to the Wazirin of Adamawa’s house and tell him in Fulani that he needs to focus on his traditional title,” Kwankwaso said.

He added that if his political camp succeeds in 2027, Atiku would be well cared for, particularly because of his connection to Adamawa.

Kwankwaso’s position came shortly after Obi rejected suggestions that he should withdraw from the race in favour of Atiku.

Speaking during an Arise Television interview on Thursday, Obi said the matter was no longer about individual candidates.

He explained that he and Atiku are now presidential candidates of separate political parties, making any possible arrangement a matter for the parties.

“Where we are now is that I’m a candidate, my leader Atiku is a candidate of another party,” Obi said.

The former Anambra State governor also dismissed reports that he rejected an offer to become Atiku’s running mate.

Obi insisted that no such proposal had been formally presented to him by any political party.

“Who said so? Where? I wasn’t even in any party where that offer was on the table,” Obi said.

Obi and Atiku previously contested the 2019 presidential election under the Peoples Democratic Party.

They lost the election to former President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress.

Ahead of 2027, both politicians have emerged as major opposition figures amid efforts to build an alliance capable of challenging President Bola Tinubu.

Atiku, who will turn 81 next year, has said the 2027 election will be his final attempt at becoming president.

He has contested the presidency several times, including in 2007, 2011, 2019 and 2023, losing each time.

The former vice-president remains an advocate of restructuring, economic liberalisation and greater private-sector participation in Nigeria’s economy.

Meanwhile, support groups backing Atiku and the African Democratic Congress said they were targeting 21 million votes for the former vice-president.

At a town hall meeting in Abuja on Thursday, the groups pledged to mobilise voters across the country.

They also said 3.5 million members would be deployed to monitor ADC votes at polling units.

The groups criticised the Tinubu administration over the economy, insecurity and worsening living conditions across the country.

Former ADC national chairman Ralph Nwosu said he would continue working for Atiku’s victory despite mourning his late mother.

Senator Dino Melaye also criticised the Tinubu administration and urged Nigerians to prepare for the 2027 election.