Atiku ADC presidential race withdrawal call made by Ibrahim Abdulkarim, urging Atiku Abubakar to step aside ahead of ADC primary
Ibrahim Abdulkarim, a political associate of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, has urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary, in a statement that has intensified debate around the Atiku ADC presidential race withdrawal call.
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Ibrahim Abdulkarim argued that Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s former Vice President, should consider stepping aside from the 2027 presidential contest to preserve his political legacy and allow for what he described as a new direction in national leadership.
He said Atiku Abubakar, who will be 80 years old next year, should prioritise a dignified exit from frontline electoral politics rather than entering another highly competitive primary contest.
According to Ibrahim Abdulkarim, such a move would reflect respect for Atiku Abubakar’s long political career, which spans several decades, while also allowing younger political forces to take centre stage.
He stated that the Atiku ADC presidential race withdrawal call was not intended as an insult but as what he described as a strategic and respectful suggestion aimed at repositioning the party for electoral success.
Abdulkarim added that stepping aside would ensure Atiku Abubakar’s legacy is viewed positively by future generations, arguing that timing remains a decisive factor in politics.
He further claimed that the current political moment favours candidates from the southern region, describing it as a period when age and political timing may not be in Atiku Abubakar’s favour.
In a striking intervention, Ibrahim Abdulkarim also advocated for a joint presidential ticket involving Labour Party’s Peter Obi and New Nigeria Peoples Party figure Rabiu Kwankwaso, saying both men command strong grassroots movements capable of reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape.
He referenced the Obidient and Kwankwassiyya movements as evidence of what he called powerful citizen driven political structures that could influence voter turnout and national support.
Abdulkarim maintained that an alliance between Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso would form a formidable electoral bloc capable of mobilising young voters and reshaping the outcome of the next general election.
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The comments have added fresh momentum to ongoing political realignments within opposition circles, with analysts describing the remarks as a contentious and politically charged intervention ahead of the ADC primary season.
