By Capital Watch Media
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has announced the formation of a coalition of opposition parties aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
Atiku, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate in the 2023 election, made the announcement during a press conference at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja on Thursday.
“Yes, this is the birth of the coalition of opposition ahead of 2027,” Atiku stated while responding to a question on behalf of the opposition leaders present.
The announcement comes amid political tensions in Rivers State following Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency, which has drawn widespread criticism.
Atiku and other opposition leaders strongly condemned the emergency rule in Rivers, describing it as unconstitutional and an attempt to subvert democracy.
“This action is not only unlawful but a clear attempt to impose federal control over a duly elected state government,” Atiku said, referencing the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and state lawmakers.
He argued that the Nigerian Constitution does not empower the President to unilaterally remove an elected governor or state assembly members under any circumstances.
The coalition, according to Atiku, aims to unify all opposition parties and political stakeholders to defend democracy and prepare for the 2027 election.
“We must not allow personal political interests to override the principles of federalism, democracy, and constitutional governance,” he said.
The coalition has also urged the National Assembly to reject Tinubu’s emergency declaration when it comes up for approval.
Legal action is being considered to challenge the decision in court, with opposition leaders arguing that it violates constitutional provisions on governance.
Atiku called on Nigerians and civil society organisations to resist what he described as a “dangerous precedent” that could be used to remove other governors arbitrarily.
“Nigerians must defend democracy. Rivers State is not a conquered territory, and Nigeria is not a dictatorship,” he added.
The announcement marks a significant step in the opposition’s strategy ahead of the next general election, with Atiku and his allies positioning themselves as the leading force against the current administration.
Further details on the coalition’s structure and leadership are expected to be unveiled in the coming months as preparations for 2027 gain momentum.
