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 race. Abdulkarim, speaking on Trust TV on Friday, argued that Atiku’s long political career should be honoured with a dignified exit rather than another contest.
“Atiku will be 80 years old next year. We don’t want to defeat him. Considering his work from 1992 till this day, we know he is not going to win, so we are giving him a soft landing to withdraw from the ADC presidential primary so he can look good in the eyes of young Nigerians,” Abdulkarim said.
He added that stepping aside would allow Atiku’s name to be remembered positively by future generations. “That way, his name can be honoured by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Timing is everything in politics, and this is the time of the South. Age is not on his side.”
Abdulkarim further insisted that the party should rally behind a joint ticket involving Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, citing the strength of their grassroots support bases. “We have very strong movements—the Obidient movement and the Kwankwassiyya movement. Those around him are not telling him what they are supposed to be telling him.”
He maintained that an Obi–Kwankwaso alliance would present a strong hold capable of mobilising young voters for the next general election.
