The Forum for Democratic Patriots (FDP) has called on 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 election and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration. The group argued that the ongoing permutations among opposition leaders over who should step down for a joint presidential ticket demonstrated that none of the major opposition figures had sufficient nationwide acceptability, political network, or electoral strength to defeat Tinubu in 2027.
Opposition Discord Highlights Lack of Consensus
In a statement issued in Abuja, the Convener of FDP, Hon. Sani 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, showed a lack of consensus within the opposition camp. Ibrahim noted that while everyone seemed to agree that someone should step aside, they could not agree on who should do so.
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."
FDP Assesses Opposition Leaders' Electoral Strength
The FDP concluded that the opposition's candidate exchanges over who should quit the 2027 race were the clearest proof that none of them had the capacity, pedigree, acceptability, and nationwide network to win the presidential election in 2027. The group acknowledged Atiku's political pedigree, noting his participation in the 1993, 2007, 2019, and 2023 elections and his service as Vice-President. However, it stressed that as 2027 approaches, Nigeria demands forward-looking stability, not another campaign cycle.
Ibrahim added: "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."
Call for Atiku to Embrace Elder Statesman Role
Ibrahim urged Atiku to "step back and embrace his rightful place as a revered elder statesman" by providing non-partisan counsel rather than pursuing another presidential bid. The group also rejected reported permutations for Obi to serve as Atiku's running mate, describing the proposal as a political arrangement unlikely to deliver victory.
He stated: "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."
Commendation for Tinubu's Reforms and Social Investments
The FDP commended the Tinubu administration for what it described as bold economic reforms, particularly the unification of the foreign exchange market and tax restructuring, aimed at stabilising the economy and improving revenue generation. The group also highlighted strategic reforms on the energy front, 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.
Ibrahim noted: "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."
Concluding, he said: "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."
