The political contest ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election has intensified after former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the race, while Peter Obi maintained that he would not personally step aside for Atiku.

Kwankwaso, who is the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), made the appeal while receiving members of the Fulani Farmers Association at his residence in Abuja.

He urged Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), to reconsider his ambition, citing the former vice president’s age and health. Kwankwaso also asked Atiku’s supporters to persuade him to focus instead on his traditional responsibilities as the Wazirin Adamawa.

Kwankwaso said that if his political camp succeeds in the 2027 election, Atiku would be treated with respect, adding that his comments were made in the context of the ongoing opposition realignment ahead of the election.

The former vice president has previously acknowledged that the 2027 election could be his final attempt at the presidency. In April, Atiku said the high stakes surrounding the election and his age could make it his last outing in the presidential race.

Meanwhile, Peter Obi has rejected suggestions that he should step aside for Atiku. Reports say Obi indicated that any decision concerning a possible withdrawal would ultimately be a matter for the political parties involved, rather than a personal decision to surrender his ambition.

The disagreement comes as opposition politicians continue efforts to build a united platform capable of challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2027.

The latest developments highlight the growing competition within the opposition camp, where questions over who should lead a possible joint presidential ticket remain unresolved.

With the 2027 election approaching, negotiations over candidacies, alliances and possible power-sharing arrangements are expected to intensify as opposition parties attempt to present a formidable challenge to the ruling party.