Atiku won’t quit 2027 race, ADC chieftain tackles Kwankwaso
By Juliet Umeh
A prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chille Igbawua, has rejected calls for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the upcoming 2027 presidential race, asserting that concerns regarding his age and health are baseless.
Igbawua, who previously served in the House of Representatives and currently advises the ADC National Chairman, made his comments during an interview on Arise Television.
In response to suggestions that Atiku should step aside in favor of a younger opposition candidate, Igbawua questioned the validity of the data supporting claims about Atiku’s health. “Atiku has not changed his age, but whether he can govern effectively at that age is a different matter,” he said. He argued that younger individuals do not necessarily possess the same level of agility, mental ability, and wisdom as Atiku.
He characterized the notion that Atiku should step down and “allow the opposition to take care of him” as offensive, stating that such suggestions could further fracture the unity within opposition ranks. “To suggest that Atiku should step down so that if they win they will take care of him, how? That is an insult,” Igbawua said. “What does ‘take care of him’ mean—paying his hospital bills or providing food in his house?”
Igbawua described these suggestions as “absolutely irresponsible,” expressing concern that they could widen divisions among opposition parties.
Despite the ongoing disagreements, he emphasized that the ADC is willing to engage in dialogue with other opposition groups in preparation for the 2027 elections. “At all times, we are ready for dialogue. Whether it will succeed or not is a different matter, but it gives the opportunity for the opposition to come together,” Igbawua stated.
Regarding the prospect of facing President Bola Tinubu in the election with multiple opposition candidates, Igbawua conveyed confidence in the ADC’s potential to succeed. “We would defeat the incumbent and change the country. I say that confidently. I’m not being rhetorical,” he declared.
