ADC chieftain rejects Kwankwaso's call for Atiku to quit 2027 race, insists age doesn't bar governance
ADC chieftain Chille Igbawua rejected former Kano Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso's urging for Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race over age and health concerns. Speaking on Arise Television today, Igbawua stated there's no evidence Atiku's age or health prevents effective governance, arguing that age alone doesn't determine capacity and citing younger politicians who may lack Atiku's mental agility. He called Kwankwaso's suggestion that Atiku should step aside so the opposition could 'take care of him' if elected an 'insult' damaging to opposition unity. Despite the disagreement, Igbawua confirmed the ADC remains open to dialogue with other opposition parties ahead of 2027, saying such talks create opportunities for coalition-building even if success isn't guaranteed. He expressed confidence the ADC could defeat President Bola Tinubu in 2027, stating 'We would defeat the incumbent and change the country. I say that confidently.' This highlights ongoing opposition fragmentation risks as parties navigate age-related debates and unity efforts ahead of the next election. Will ADC's openness to dialogue translate into meaningful opposition coalitions, or will internal disagreements weaken their challenge to Tinubu's re-election bid?