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The Forum for Democratic Patriots (FDP) has urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso to shelve their presidential ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections and support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The group said the ongoing permutations among opposition leaders over who should step down for a joint presidential ticket showed that none of the major opposition figures had sufficient national acceptability, political network and electoral strength to defeat Tinubu in 2027.
In a statement in Abuja on Friday, its convener, Hon Sani Ibrahim, said recent exchanges between opposition figures, including Kwankwaso’s call for Atiku to step aside and reports of a possible Atiku-Obi ticket, demonstrate the lack of consensus within the opposition camp.
The group praised the Tinubu administration for what it described as bold economic reforms, particularly the unification of the foreign exchange market and fiscal restructuring, which it said aimed to stabilize the economy and improve revenue generation.
“We note Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso’s call for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to step aside in favor of a joint opposition ticket, just as reports are circulating that some people are suggesting that Peter Obi serve as Atiku’s deputy.
“The FDP is aware that Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso wants Atiku Abubakar to do this
abandon the race. Whispered permutations suggest Peter Obi should instead settle for second place on an Atiku ticket. Everyone, it seems, agrees on this
someone should step aside but they just can’t agree on who.
“FDP, after careful observation, concluded that the opposition candidates
The exchanges over who should drop out of the 2027 race are the clearest evidence that none of them have the acceptability and national network to win the presidential election in 2027.
“Former Vice President Atiku possesses an undeniable political pedigree as he contested in 1993, 2007, 2019 and 2023 and served as deputy;
However, as 2027 approaches, Nigeria requires forward-looking stability, not another round of election campaigns.
He urged Atiku to step back and embrace his rightful place as a revered elder statesman, providing impartial advice rather than pursuing another presidential candidacy.
The group also rejected reported permutations for Obi as Atiku’s running mate, describing the proposal as a political deal unlikely to lead to victory.
“Nigeria needs a stable, decisive and reformist administration to consolidate the hoped-for renewed successes. We therefore urge Atiku, Obi and Kwankwaso to resign in the national interest. President Bola Tinubu has laid the foundation for a long-term economic recovery through bold and necessary reforms.
“These include the unification of the foreign exchange market and a comprehensive fiscal restructuring, both aimed at stabilizing 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 governance costs and offer Nigerians a more sustainable alternative
fuel source.
“The government has also prioritized crucial social investments, such as the National Student Loan Program and broad social safety nets, which continue to benefit citizens across the nation.
“Although these reforms have required short-term sacrifices, they are already doing so
produce results and remain essential to sustainable national prosperity
“Consequently, the FDP calls on Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi to consider national interest rather than personal ambition. They should sheathe their swords and support President Tinubu’s mandate. Let the agenda of renewed hope be consolidated.”
