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. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has positioned himself as a key disruptor in the evolving political landscape, with a calculated plan to prevent President Bola Tinubu from securing a second term in 2027. His recent defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) is already causing ripples within the opposition and power corridors in Abuja. El-Rufai’s Bold Entry into SDP Just two days after his switch to the SDP, El-Rufai’s supporters gathered at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, demanding the removal of Dr. Olu Agunloye as National Secretary. The protesters accused Agunloye of financial misconduct related to an alleged $6 billion fraud involving the Mambilla power project. The protests compelled Agunloye to petition the Inspector General of Police for protection. However, sources indicate that the push for his removal is being driven by El-Rufai’s allies, who view Agunloye’s past connections with Tinubu—and potentially his ethnic background—as an obstacle to their mission of blocking Tinubu’s second-term bid. The SDP Conundrum: A Tinubu Plan B? Beyond Agunloye’s controversy, speculation is mounting that Tinubu may have already secured a foothold in the SDP. Political analysts recall that before the 2022 APC presidential primary, there were unverified reports suggesting that Tinubu considered the SDP as a fallback option if he failed to secure the APC ticket. This raises concerns that El-Rufai’s new party may not be the opposition’s ultimate vehicle to counter Tinubu in 2027. Instead, it could be a temporary stop in a larger strategic maneuver. From Ally to Opponent: The Tinubu-El-Rufai Fallout Despite his instrumental role in rallying northern governors to back Tinubu during the APC primaries, El-Rufai’s relationship with the president has since soured. The turning point came when El-Rufai was reportedly poised to lead the government’s energy sector, only for his appointment to be blocked by the Senate due to unspecified “security concerns.” A Senate insider later revealed that there was no official security report against El-Rufai. Rather, Senate President Godswill Akpabio merely stated there was an issue flagged by the Department of State Services (DSS), without providing any formal documentation. This unconventional approach reinforced claims that Tinubu’s camp deliberately sidelined El-Rufai. El-Rufai’s 2027 Agenda: Not Running, But Mobilizing While El-Rufai has not declared any intention to contest in 2027, his primary objective appears to be mobilizing against Tinubu’s re-election. A close associate of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who also contested in the 2023 election, confirmed that El-Rufai’s focus is on ensuring that Tinubu’s presidency ends in one term. The Opposition Strategy: A Shifting Alliance? El-Rufai’s influence in northern political circles is undeniable. He played a crucial role in uniting northern APC governors behind Tinubu in 2022. Now, he is reportedly reaching out to some of those same governors in an effort to sway them away from supporting Tinubu’s re-election. Interestingly, El-Rufai, who was a vocal critic of Peter Obi during the 2023 elections, appears to be shifting his stance. His son, Bashir El-Rufai, recently tweeted about being misled by the APC regarding Obi’s political qualities—hinting at a potential alignment with the Labour Party leader in the coming years. SDP: A Divided Opposition Front? Despite the recent realignments, it remains uncertain whether the SDP will serve as the main opposition platform against Tinubu in 2027. The party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, recently declared his intent to run again in 2027, indicating possible internal divisions within the opposition ranks. A source close to the opposition movement downplayed the importance of specific party platforms, suggesting that the anti-Tinubu coalition is more focused on forming a winning alliance rather than rallying behind one political party or candidate. Conclusion: The Political Chessboard for 2027 With El-Rufai actively maneuvering behind the scenes, the race for 2027 is already shaping up to be a high-stakes battle. Whether his strategy will succeed in unseating Tinubu remains uncertain, but his disruptive influence is undeniably setting the stage for an intense political showdown. For an in-depth analysis of Nigeria’s shifting political landscape, visit Premium Times. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
