The Forum for Democratic Patriots has urged former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso to abandon their 2027 presidential ambitions and support President Bola Tinubu.
The group, in a statement issued in Abuja by its Convener, Sani Ibrahim, said the opposition leaders’ ongoing permutations over who should step down for a joint ticket showed that none possessed the nationwide acceptability, political network and electoral strength required to defeat Tinubu.
Ibrahim said the recent exchanges among opposition figures, including Kwankwaso’s call for Atiku to step aside and reports of a possible Atiku-Obi ticket, exposed the lack of consensus within the opposition camp.
“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,” he said.
The group acknowledged Atiku’s political pedigree, noting that he had contested presidential elections in 1993, 2007, 2019 and 2023 and served as Vice-President.
However, Ibrahim argued that the country needed stability and forward-looking leadership ahead of 2027.
“Atiku he will be 80 by 2027. The presidency is a rigorous, demanding assignment not a retirement stool,” he said.
He urged Atiku to “step back and embrace his rightful place as a revered elder statesman” by providing non-partisan counsel instead of seeking another presidential term.
The group also dismissed reports of a possible Atiku-Obi presidential ticket, describing the arrangement as unlikely to deliver victory.
Ibrahim said Nigeria needed a “settled, decisive and reformist administration” to consolidate the gains of the Tinubu administration.
He commended the President for what he described as bold economic reforms, particularly the unification of the foreign exchange market and tax restructuring.
According to him, the reforms were designed to stabilise the economy and improve revenue generation.
He also cited the expansion of the Compressed Natural Gas initiative, saying it would help reduce the cost of governance and provide Nigerians with a more sustainable alternative fuel source.
The group further praised the administration’s national student loan programme and social safety-net initiatives.
“While these reforms have demanded short-term sacrifice, they are already yielding results and remain essential to sustainable national prosperity,” Ibrahim said.
He warned that Nigeria needed policy continuity rather than political distraction as the country approached another election cycle.
“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,” he said.
“Let the Renewed Hope Agenda be consolidated. Let Nigeria move forward, prosperous, united and stable.”
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