The National Coordinator of Bridge for Renewed Hope and former Director-General of the Atiku Youth Wing, Hon. Rowland Odih, has urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Odih made the call in a statement issued on Monday, where he announced the group’s endorsement of President Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election.
“We, the Youth Mobilisation Group operating under the platform of Bridge for Renewed Hope, formerly aligned with the presidential aspiration of Atiku Abubakar, hereby announce our unwavering endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election,” the statement read.
According to Odih, Bridge for Renewed Hope is a youth-driven political coalition affiliated with the broader City Boy Movement. The group was formed by former leaders and members of the Atiku Youth Wing who have now aligned themselves with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and his 2027 re-election project.
He explained that the platform is made up of former youth leaders and supporters from Atiku’s political structure who officially dissolved their organisation and joined the City Boy Movement on June 4, 2026.
Odih identified key figures behind the initiative as himself, former National Coordinator of the Atiku Youth Wing and current National Coordinator of Bridge for Renewed Hope; Hon. Ayodele Olawande; Hon. Francis Oluwatosin Shoga, Director-General of the City Boy Movement; and Hon. Gambo Manzo.
He stated that the group’s mission is to unite young Nigerians, mobilise support across the country, and promote youth inclusion in governance, digital innovation, leadership development, and empowerment programmes. As part of the wider City Boy Movement, Bridge for Renewed Hope contributes to a nationwide political network that includes organisations such as the Renewed Hope Youth Ambassadors.
Odih further noted that after careful assessment of Nigeria’s political landscape and Atiku Abubakar’s repeated attempts to attain the presidency, the group believes it is time for the former vice president to step aside.
“While we acknowledge his commitment and contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey, we believe the pathway to electoral victory for him has become increasingly difficult,” he said.
He appealed to Atiku to withdraw from the 2027 presidential contest and support President Tinubu, arguing that such a move would foster political unity and strengthen collective efforts toward national development.
