The Forum for Democratic Patriots has called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State governor Peter Obi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso to put aside their presidential ambitions ahead of the 2027 general election and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The group said the growing discussions among opposition leaders over who should withdraw from the presidential race showed that none of the major opposition figures currently has the nationwide acceptance, political structure and electoral strength required to defeat Tinubu.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, the forum’s convener, Hon. Sani Ibrahim, pointed to recent political exchanges involving the opposition leaders as evidence of the divisions within their camp.
He cited Kwankwaso’s call for Atiku to step aside in favour of a joint opposition ticket, as well as reports suggesting that Peter Obi could become Atiku’s running mate.
According to Ibrahim, the different proposals have created a situation where opposition leaders appear to agree that one of them should withdraw, but remain divided over who should make the sacrifice.
The forum argued that the disagreement itself was an indication of the difficulties facing the opposition ahead of the 2027 election.
It acknowledged Atiku’s long political career, noting that he has contested presidential elections on several occasions and previously served as vice president. However, the group said the country now needs political stability and continuity rather than another prolonged election cycle.
Ibrahim therefore urged Atiku to step back from another presidential contest and take on the role of an elder statesman by offering non partisan guidance on national issues.
The group also dismissed reported plans for Obi to become Atiku’s running mate, describing such an arrangement as unlikely to provide the political advantage needed to secure victory at the polls.
Instead, the Forum for Democratic Patriots urged Atiku, Obi and Kwankwaso to place national interest above their individual political ambitions and support the Tinubu administration.
The group also praised the Tinubu administration for what it described as bold economic reforms, particularly the unification of the foreign exchange market and the restructuring of the tax system.
According to the forum, the reforms are designed to strengthen economic stability, improve government revenue and create a stronger foundation for long term growth.
It also highlighted reforms in the energy sector, including the expansion of the Compressed Natural Gas initiative, saying the programme could help reduce the cost of governance while providing Nigerians with a more sustainable alternative to conventional fuels.
The forum further pointed to the national student loan programme and various social intervention measures as examples of the administration’s efforts to address the needs of citizens.
It acknowledged that the reforms have brought short term economic pressures and sacrifices but maintained that they remain necessary for achieving sustainable national development.
The group said the Tinubu administration had already laid what it described as the foundation for long term economic recovery and should therefore be given the opportunity to consolidate its Renewed Hope Agenda.
It called on the opposition figures to shelve their presidential ambitions in the interest of the country and support the administration’s efforts to implement its reform programme.
