A group, Forum for Democratic Patriots (FDP) has appealed to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso to abandon their presidential ambitions and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group argued that the continuing negotiations within the opposition camp over who should withdraw from the presidential contest were an indication that none of the major opposition contenders currently possessed the combination of nationwide support, political structures and electoral strength required to defeat Tinubu.
In a statement issued in Abuja, FDP Convener, Hon. Sani Ibrahim, said recent developments within the opposition, including Kwankwaso’s reported appeal to Atiku to step aside and discussions around a possible Atiku-Obi ticket, reflected the absence of a clear consensus among the opposition parties.
According to Ibrahim, the group believes the competing permutations among opposition politicians over who should concede the presidential ticket reveal their difficulties in building a broadly acceptable platform for the 2027 election.
Ibrahim said: “We note Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso’s call on former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to step aside in favour of a joint opposition ticket, as well as circulating reports that some people suggest Mr Peter Obi to serve as running mate to Atiku.
“The FDP is aware that Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso wants Atiku Abubakar to
quit the race. Whispered permutations suggest Peter Obi should instead settle
for the number-two spot on an Atiku ticket. Everyone, it seems, agrees that
someone should step aside but they just can’t agree on who.
“The FDP, after careful observation, concluded that the opposition’s candidates
exchanges over who should quit the 2027 race is the clearest proof none of them has the capacity, pedigree, acceptability and nationwide network to win
presidential election come 2027.
“Former VP Atiku possesses an undeniable political pedigree as he contested in 1993, 2007, 2019, and 2023, and having served as Vice-President, his contributions to governance and political space are well noted.
“However, as 2027 approaches, Nigeria demands forward-looking stability, not
another campaign cycle. And Atiku he will be 80 by 2027. The presidency is a
rigorous, demanding assignment not a retirement stool.”
The FDP subsequently called on Atiku to “step back and embrace his rightful place as a revered elder statesman” and contribute to the country through non-partisan counsel rather than seeking another presidential term.
The organisation also dismissed reported suggestions that Obi should become Atiku’s running mate, arguing that such an arrangement would not necessarily translate into electoral victory for the opposition.
Turning to the Tinubu administration, Ibrahim commended what the group described as major economic reforms, particularly the foreign exchange reforms and tax restructuring.
He added, “Nigeria needs a settled, decisive and reformist administration to consolidate on the renewed hope successes. We therefore urge Atiku, Obi and Kwankwaso to stand down in the national interest. President Bola Tinubu has laid the foundation for long-term economic recovery through bold, necessary reforms.
“These include the unification of the foreign exchange market and comprehensive tax restructuring, both aimed at stabilising the economy and improving revenue generation. On the energy front, the administration has undertaken strategic reforms, including the expansion of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative, to reduce the cost of governance and offer Nigerians a more sustainable alternative fuel source.
“The government has also prioritised critical social investments, such as the national student loan programme and broad-based social safety nets, which continue to benefit citizens across both the nation.
“While these reforms have demanded short-term sacrifice, they are already
yielding results and remain essential to sustainable national prosperity. Nigeria
needs focus and continuity to harvest the fruits of these policy shifts not
political distraction.
“Consequently, the FDP calls on Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi to consider
national interest over personal ambition. They should sheathe their swords and support President Tinubu’s mandate. Let the Renewed Hope Agenda be
consolidated. Let Nigeria move forward, prosperous, united and stable.”
