The Forum for Democratic Patriots (FDP) has called on Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso to shelve their presidential ambitions and support President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group’s position came amid renewed discussions over the possibility of a joint opposition ticket, with Kwankwaso reportedly urging Atiku to withdraw and some political actors proposing Obi as Atiku’s running mate.
In a statement signed by its convener, Sani Ibrahim, the FDP said the permutations showed that the opposition remained divided over its leadership and lacked a clear path to victory.
The group said Atiku, who would be 80 by 2027, should consider stepping aside after years of participation in presidential politics.
It also dismissed the proposed Atiku-Obi arrangement, arguing that a merger between the two would amount to an alliance of convenience rather than a guaranteed electoral breakthrough.
The FDP urged the opposition leaders to embrace what it described as a broader national interest, rather than continue competing for the presidency.
The group, however, expressed support for the continuation of Tinubu’s administration, pointing to reforms in the foreign exchange market, taxation and energy, as well as the student loan programme and social safety nets.
It argued that the reforms required time and policy consistency to deliver their intended benefits.
“While these reforms have demanded short-term sacrifice, they are already yielding results and remain essential to sustainable national prosperity,” the statement said.
The FDP called on Atiku and Obi to “sheathe their swords” and support Tinubu’s mandate, saying Nigeria needed focus and continuity rather than political distraction.