It Is Irresponsible To Tell Atiku To Step Down’ – ADC Chieftain Blasts Kwankwaso

African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Chille Igbawua has criticised the call by Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race.

Igbawua described the suggestion as an insult and an “absolutely irresponsible” position, arguing that Atiku’s age and health should not be used as grounds to question his eligibility to contest the election.

According to Ireporter Online, Igbawua, a former member of the House of Representatives and adviser to the ADC National Chairman, made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television.

He questioned the basis for claims about Atiku’s health and argued that age alone does not determine whether an individual is capable of 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,” Igbawua said.

The ADC chieftain maintained that some younger Nigerians may not necessarily possess the same level of agility, mental capacity and experience he believes Atiku has demonstrated.

He argued that while age could be considered alongside a person’s health, he had not seen any indication that Atiku’s health constituted a disadvantage to his political ambition.

Igbawua also took exception to Kwankwaso’s suggestion that Atiku could be “taken care of” if he withdrew from the presidential race and the opposition eventually won the election.

He questioned what such an arrangement would mean, describing the suggestion as disrespectful to the former vice president.

“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, adding that the comments had created unnecessary divisions within the opposition.

Despite the disagreement, Igbawua said the ADC remained willing to engage other opposition parties in discussions ahead of the 2027 general election.

He said dialogue remained important, even if such discussions did not ultimately result in a political alliance.

“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 concerns that multiple opposition candidates could split the opposition vote and make it easier for President Bola Tinubu to secure victory in 2027, Igbawua expressed confidence in the ADC’s chances.

He maintained that the party could defeat the incumbent president and bring about political change in the country.

“We would defeat the incumbent and change the country. I say that confidently. I’m not being rhetorical,” Igbawua said.