The All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso over his recent appeal to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race and support the opposition ticket.
Kwankwaso, who is the running mate to Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi, urged Atiku to step aside, citing his age and health. He also said Atiku would be taken care of if the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket wins the presidency.
Reacting to the statement, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka questioned the opposition’s confidence in negotiating political positions before Nigerians have decided who will govern the country in 2027.
Morka accused the opposition of engaging in political bargaining over an office it has not won. He described the development as “horse trading with the presidency they do not have,” while arguing that the electorate would ultimately determine the outcome of the election.
The APC spokesperson also criticised what he described as contradictions within the opposition camp, suggesting that the dispute over who should lead the country was exposing divisions among politicians seeking to challenge the ruling party.
The exchange highlights the increasingly competitive nature of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential contest, with opposition parties attempting to build alliances while the APC seeks to retain power.
Kwankwaso’s comments have particular significance because he and Obi are now campaigning together under the NDC platform. Their alliance has brought together two prominent figures from the 2023 presidential contest and is expected to be a major factor in opposition strategy ahead of 2027.
Atiku, meanwhile, has maintained his interest in contesting the presidency. He has previously said the 2027 election would be his final attempt at becoming president, having contested the office in 2007, 2019 and 2023.
The latest disagreement reflects broader political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, as candidates and parties negotiate alliances and seek to consolidate support across Nigeria’s political landscape.
