Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has advised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to retire to his home state of Adamawa and focus on his traditional duties as the Waziri of Adamawa. During a meeting with the Fulani Farmers Association in Abuja, Kwankwaso suggested that given Atiku's age and physical condition, he should step back from active national politics. He assured members that the people of Adamawa would ensure Atiku is well looked after if he returns home.

Kwankwaso also expressed doubts regarding Atiku's ability to govern the country's current landscape, noting that modern Nigeria requires leadership suited to contemporary challenges rather than the political environment of decades past. Reflecting on their shared political history, Kwankwaso recalled supporting Atiku during the 1993 presidential primaries in Jos, when Kwankwaso served as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.