Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai, Others Form Coalition to Challenge Tinubu in 2027

By MOHAMMED DANBABA

ABUJA – Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai have officially launched a movement to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

This development was confirmed during a press conference held in Abuja on Thursday, where a coalition of political leaders and stakeholders from across Nigeria gathered.

Coalition Aims to End Tinubu’s Rule

Addressing journalists, Atiku Abubakar read the official statement on behalf of the coalition, confirming that the movement’s goal is to remove Tinubu from office in 2027. When asked if the initiative was intended to establish a broad coalition against Tinubu, Atiku responded affirmatively, saying, “Yes.”

Opposition to State of Emergency in Rivers State

During the press briefing, Atiku and his associates condemned President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State. They called on Nigerians, especially the National Assembly, to reject what they described as an unconstitutional act.

Atiku stated, “We are here to denounce the unlawful and undemocratic decision made by President Tinubu on March 18, 2025, declaring a State of Emergency in Rivers State and suspending its democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and State House of Assembly.”

According to Atiku, Tinubu’s actions constitute a subversion of democracy and an attempt to impose autocratic federal control over a legitimately elected state government.

Allegations of Constitutional Violations

Atiku and his allies outlined several constitutional violations allegedly committed by President Tinubu, including:

1. Unlawful Removal of Elected Officials

“The Nigerian Constitution does not empower the President to unilaterally remove a governor, deputy governor, or state assembly members. The only legal process for removing a governor is through impeachment, as stated in Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).”

2. Misuse of Emergency Powers

“Under Section 305, a state of emergency can only be declared in extreme cases of war, external aggression, or widespread public disorder.

“However, it does not permit the President to suspend elected officials or dissolve democratic structures. Even in past emergency declarations, sitting governors were never removed from office.”

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• https://www.thecheernews.com/governors-oppose-state-of-emergency-in-rivers-state-call-for-rescission/

3. Failure to Meet Legal Requirements

“For a state of emergency to be valid, it must be approved by two-thirds of the National Assembly, requiring 72 Senators and 240 House of Representatives members. Without this approval, the proclamation automatically ceases to have effect.”

4. Ignoring Legal Avenues

“If the issue was about the Rivers State House of Assembly’s dysfunction, the President should have encouraged the National Assembly to intervene under Section 11 of the Constitution instead of enforcing an emergency rule.”

A Manufactured Crisis for Political Control

The coalition accused the federal government of using the political crisis in Rivers State as an excuse to seize control.

“This is not about security; it is about power and control,” Atiku declared. He argued that the Rivers State political dispute stemmed from 27 lawmakers defecting from PDP to APC, which led to a battle over their legitimacy.

“The federal government has engineered a crisis to justify an unconstitutional power grab.”

Opposition Leaders Demand Reversal

The coalition outlined their demands:

1. Immediate Reversal – Atiku called on President Tinubu to immediately revoke the state of emergency in Rivers State and reinstate the Governor, Deputy Governor, and House of Assembly.
2. Legislative Rejection – They urged the National Assembly to vote against the proclamation, describing it as an attempt to legitimize an unconstitutional action.
3. Judicial Action – The coalition urged the judiciary to strike down the emergency rule, warning that it could set a dangerous precedent for removing elected governors arbitrarily.
4. Nigerians to Defend Democracy – The coalition called on civil society organizations, political groups, and Nigerians to resist the attempt to undermine democracy.

Echoes of Niger Delta Unrest

Atiku warned that this crisis could destabilize the Niger Delta, stating:

“The Niger Delta has had a history of unrest. Past administrations worked hard to restore stability in the region, which is crucial to Nigeria’s economic health. We must not return to the era of political chaos.”

Key Opposition Figures in Attendance

Other opposition leaders present at the conference included:

• Peter Obi, represented by Yunusa Tanko
• Babachir Lawal, former SGF
• Nasir El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State
• Peter Ahmeh, National Secretary of CUPP
• Segun Showunmi, Convener of The Alternative

Apologies from Absent Leaders

Several key figures who could not attend sent their apologies, including:

• Rotimi Amaechi (former Governor of Rivers State)
• Kayode Fayemi (former Governor of Ekiti State)
• Abdullahi Adamu (former APC National Chairman)

Conclusion

The opposition has made its stance clear: The state of emergency in Rivers State is unconstitutional and must be revoked.

With this coalition forming against Tinubu’s government, the 2027 elections are set to be a fierce battleground.

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