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2027: Group Urges Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso to Step Aside for Tinubu
The Forum for Democratic Patriots (FDP) has called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra Governor Peter Obi, and former Kano Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso to drop their presidential ambitions and rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.

The group said the ongoing debate within the opposition camp over who should step down for a joint ticket proves that none of the three candidates has the national acceptability, political structure and electoral strength to defeat Tinubu.

In a statement issued in Abuja by its Convener, Hon. Sani Ibrahim, the FDP pointed to Kwankwaso’s recent call for Atiku to quit the race and reports of a possible Atiku-Obi joint ticket as clear signs of division in the opposition.

“The FDP, after careful observation, concluded that the opposition’s exchanges over who should quit the 2027 race are the clearest proof that none of them has the capacity, pedigree, acceptability and nationwide network to win the presidential election come 2027,” Ibrahim said.

Ibrahim acknowledged Atiku’s long political career, noting his presidential contests in 1993, 2007, 2019 and 2023 and his service as Vice President, but urged him to retire from the race, noting he would be 80 years old by 2027.

“The presidency is a rigorous, demanding assignment, not a retirement stool,” he said, adding that Atiku should embrace his role as an elder statesman and offer non-partisan counsel.

The group also dismissed the reported plan for Obi to run as Atiku’s vice-presidential candidate, describing it as an arrangement that would not secure victory.

The FDP praised the Tinubu administration for its economic reforms, including the unification of the foreign exchange market and tax reforms, which it said are aimed at stabilizing the economy and boosting revenue.

It also highlighted the expansion of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative, the student loan programme, and social safety-net schemes as part of the administration’s reform agenda.

“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,” Ibrahim added.
Source: The Sun Nigeria –