Atiku, Peter Obi, And Fayemi Form Coalition Against Tinubu For 2027 Elections

Key Political Figures Oppose Rivers State Emergency Declaration

In a major political development, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai have initiated a coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the 2027 elections.

This was confirmed by Atiku during a press conference in Abuja, where he addressed political stakeholders from across the nation. When questioned about the intention behind the gathering, Atiku affirmed that the coalition’s objective is to remove Tinubu from office in the next election cycle.

Political Leaders Condemn Tinubu’s Emergency Declaration in Rivers State

Atiku, along with other coalition members, has urged Nigerians, particularly members of the National Assembly, to reject Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, labeling it unconstitutional.

According to Atiku:

“President Tinubu’s proclamation on March 18, 2025, suspending the democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and State House of Assembly, is an outright violation of Nigeria’s Constitution and an attempt to impose autocratic control.”

He further stated that Tinubu’s decision undermines democracy and called on Nigerians to resist what he described as an unconstitutional move.

Unlawful Dismissal of Elected Officials

Atiku highlighted constitutional breaches, stating that the Nigerian Constitution does not empower the President to remove an elected Governor, Deputy Governor, or the State House of Assembly under any circumstances. He referenced Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which explicitly outlines the legal procedure for removing a Governor through impeachment by the State House of Assembly.

Additionally, Atiku condemned the misuse of Section 305, which allows the declaration of a state of emergency only under extreme national security threats. He asserted that Tinubu’s justification for the emergency rule in Rivers State does not meet the constitutional requirements.

Judiciary and National Assembly Must Intervene

The coalition is calling for immediate action from the judiciary and the National Assembly to overturn Tinubu’s directive. Atiku stressed that any declaration of emergency must be ratified by a two-thirds majority vote in both legislative chambers. If such approval is not obtained, the proclamation automatically loses its validity.

“There is no war or crisis in Rivers State to warrant such an extreme measure. Instead of allowing due legal processes to resolve political disputes, the federal government is exploiting the situation for political gain,” he added.

Manufactured Crisis for Political Control

The coalition alleges that the crisis in Rivers State is a deliberate political maneuver designed to weaken opposition forces ahead of the 2027 elections. Atiku pointed out that similar security challenges in the past did not result in the removal of elected officials.

“Even at the peak of insurgency in the North-East, the then-government did not remove governors but provided security solutions. The Rivers State issue is being exploited to serve Tinubu’s interests,” Atiku noted.

Call to Action

The coalition demands the immediate reinstatement of the elected Rivers State government and urges lawmakers to reject the unconstitutional action. Additionally, Atiku called on civil society organizations, political stakeholders, and citizens to defend Nigeria’s democracy against executive overreach.

Historical Context: Niger Delta Unrest

Atiku cautioned against political instability in the Niger Delta, a region historically fraught with conflict. He emphasized that previous administrations worked tirelessly to stabilize the area, warning that Tinubu’s actions could reignite tensions and disrupt national economic stability.

Political Heavyweights Join the Movement

Other key opposition figures present at the press conference included Yunusa Tanko representing Peter Obi, former SGF Babachir Lawal, ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and Peter Ahmeh, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties. Apologies were sent by notable figures such as former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Ekiti Governor Kayode Fayemi, and ex-APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu.

Atiku, Peter Obi, and Fayemi Form Coalition Against Tinubu Ahead of 2027 Elections