Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has announced the formation of a coalition of opposition parties aiming to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. This strategic move seeks to consolidate efforts among various political entities to present a unified front against the incumbent administration.

Formation of the Coalition

At a press conference held at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, Atiku Abubakar declared the inception of this coalition. Responding to inquiries about the opposition’s plans, he stated, “Yes, this is the birth of the coalition of opposition ahead of 2027.” This initiative underscores the opposition’s commitment to challenging the current government’s policies and leadership.

Context of the Announcement

The announcement coincides with recent political unrest in Rivers State. On Tuesday, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state, a move that has been met with widespread criticism and concerns about its constitutional validity. This development has further galvanized opposition figures to unite against what they perceive as overreach by the federal government.

Full Speech by Opposition Leaders

Joint Press Conference by Concerned Leaders and Political Stakeholders in Nigeria on the Unconstitutional Declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Fellow Nigerians,

We, a cross-section of leaders and political stakeholders from across the country, have come together to address the dangerous and unconstitutional actions taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 18, 2025—specifically, the declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State and the illegal suspension of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and the State House of Assembly.

This action is not only unlawful but a clear attempt to subvert democracy and impose federal control over a duly elected state government. We strongly condemn this development and call on all Nigerians of good conscience to resist this brazen assault on constitutional governance.

Constitutional Violations Highlighted

1. Illegal Removal of State Officials

   The Nigerian Constitution does not empower the President to remove an elected Governor, Deputy Governor, or State Assembly under any circumstances. The procedure for removing a Governor is clearly outlined in Section 188 of the Constitution through an impeachment process initiated by the State House of Assembly—not by presidential proclamation.

2. Misuse of Section 305 on State of Emergency

   Section 305 allows the President to declare a State of Emergency only in extreme cases where public safety, national security, or Nigeria’s sovereignty is at serious risk. However, it does not grant him the power to suspend elected officials or dismantle democratic structures.

3. Failure to Meet Constitutional Requirements

   The conditions under Section 305(3) for declaring a state of emergency include war, external aggression, breakdown of public order, natural disasters, or any other grave emergency threatening Nigeria’s corporate existence. None of these conditions exist in Rivers State.

4. Failure to Follow Due Process

   Even if an emergency declaration were valid, it would still require a two-thirds majority approval of all members of the National Assembly. Without this approval, the proclamation must automatically cease to have effect.

5. Ignored Alternative Legal Avenues

   If the issue was the dysfunction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, the President could have encouraged the National Assembly to intervene under Section 11 of the Constitution. However, even under such intervention, the Governor and Deputy Governor cannot be removed by any arm of government except through constitutional means.

Call to Action

1. Immediate Reversal

   We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately revoke this unconstitutional proclamation and reinstate the elected officials of Rivers State.

2. National Assembly’s Rejection

   We urge patriotic Senators and Representatives to vote against this illegal action when it comes before them for approval. The National Assembly must not be used to legitimize an unconstitutional power grab.

3. Judicial Intervention

   We call on the judiciary to act swiftly in striking down this proclamation, as it sets a dangerous precedent that could be used to arbitrarily remove any Governor in the future.

4. Defense of Democracy

   We urge all civil society organizations, political groups, and Nigerians of good conscience to stand firm in the defense of our democracy. Rivers State is not a conquered territory, and Nigeria is not a dictatorship requiring the replacement of an elected Governor with a military administrator.

Conclusion

A peaceful Niger Delta is critical to the economic health and stability of Nigeria. The federal government should not manufacture political crises that could disrupt this fragile stability. We must never allow personal political interests to override the principles of federalism, democracy, and constitutional governance. This is not just about Rivers State—it is about the future of Nigeria’s democracy.

We thank you all.

Thursday, 20th March, 2025.

Reactions from the Ruling Party

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed the formation of the coalition as an ineffective attempt to challenge President Tinubu’s administration. APC representatives argue that such alliances lack the cohesion and vision necessary to sway the Nigerian electorate. They maintain that the current administration’s policies and achievements will secure their position in the forthcoming elections.

Looking Ahead to 2027

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, the political landscape is poised for significant shifts. The emergence of this coalition signifies a strategic effort by opposition figures to unify their resources and present a formidable challenge to the ruling party. The effectiveness of this coalition will depend on its ability to maintain unity, present clear policy alternatives, and resonate with the Nigerian populace.

Last Updated on March 20, 2025 by news