Atiku Is No Buhari, Lacks Northern Support Base to Challenge Tinubu in 2027 — Kwankwaso,

All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Musa Iliyasu Kwankwaso, has argued that African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar lacks the political influence and widespread acceptance enjoyed by the late former President Muhammadu Buhari in northern Nigeria.

Kwankwaso made the remarks in a statement issued on Monday, insisting that Atiku could not rely solely on Hausa-Fulani support to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

According to the APC chieftain, the political dynamics in northern Nigeria have changed, making ethnic and regional sentiments less decisive in determining voters’ choices.

He also questioned Atiku’s record during his eight years as vice president, arguing that voters were increasingly concerned about leadership performance, development and policies capable of improving their living conditions.

“Atiku is not Buhari. He does not possess the size, stature and acceptance of the late Nigerian President to pose a threat to President Tinubu,” Kwankwaso said.

“Atiku has yet to show Nigerians what he achieved during his eight years as vice president. Voters are now more concerned about leadership performance, development and policies that can improve their lives than ethnic or religious sentiments.

“The North has gone beyond primordial sentiment, and his penchant for relying on the ethno-religious card will certainly fail him.”

Kwankwaso further alleged that some of Atiku’s political associates were worried about his ability to secure support among Hausa-Fulani voters.

He also expressed confidence in Tinubu’s political standing in the North, despite reported efforts by opposition parties to build a regional alliance against the President ahead of the 2027 election.

“Tinubu would remain a formidable contender in the North despite attempts by opposition forces to build a regional coalition against the President,” he added.

Kwankwaso’s remarks reflect the growing political contest over northern Nigeria’s voting bloc as parties and potential candidates position themselves ahead of the 2027 general election.