Along with a number of notable members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), former vice president Atiku Abubakar has formally formed a coalition with the goal of running against President Bola Tinubu in the general election scheduled for 2027.
Leading opposition members, including Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential contender, who was represented by Yunusa Tanko, were said to have made a strong appearance at the press conference on Thursday.
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties Peter Ahmeh, and Convenor of the Alternative Segun Showunmi were among the other notable figures present.
Among the prominent individuals who were unable to attend but issued apologies were former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, and the APC’s immediate past National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu. They supported the coalition’s cause even though they weren’t there.
This was confirmed by Atiku, who read the text of a press conference held in Abuja on Thursday that was attended by a variety of political stakeholders and leaders from throughout the nation.
“Yes, this is the birth of the coalition of opposition ahead of 2027,” The former Vice President Atiku responded when asked if the purpose of the meeting was to build a coalition to remove Tinubu in 2007.
Speaking at the news conference earlier, Atiku and his allies urged Nigerians, particularly those in the National Assembly, to oppose President Bola Tinubu’s unconstitutional proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
“On March 18, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, dangerously and unconstitutionally declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State and unlawfully suspended the democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and State House of Assembly,” Atiku stated. “We have come together to address these actions,” he said.
“This conduct is not only illegal, but it also blatantly undermines democracy by imposing dictatorial federal control over a state administration that has legally been elected.
Read Also: Plateau Tragedy: Gunmen Murder MACBAN LG Chairman
“This development is strongly condemned, and we urge all Nigerians with good conscience to oppose this blatant attack on our nation’s constitution and democratic institutions.”
“The lengthy, pernicious political crisis in Rivers State, which culminated in the recent Supreme Court ruling, was likely the driving force behind Mr. President’s unlawful and unconstitutional proclamation.
Naturally, we anticipated that all disputing parties would, in good faith, adhere to established protocols and swiftly carry out the ruling of the nation’s top court.
“Despite his opponents’ aggressive tactics and offensive remarks, we see that Governor Fubara showed kindness and seemed willing to carry out the Supreme Court’s decision.
But instead of stepping up to the plate, the president gave in to personal favoritism and violated the oath he took before God and humanity to “do right to all manner of people, according to law, without fear or favor, affection, or ill-will.”
“President Tinubu’s broadcast to the nation on March 18, 2025, demonstrated his bias and drastically deviated from the expected level of behavior expected of his esteemed office, even if he had previously conveniently concealed his true intentions.”
