Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has unveiled plans to unite opposition forces in a bid to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Atiku emphasised the need for a strong coalition to counter the APC’s grip on power.
The gathering, organised by concerned political figures and stakeholders, was a direct response to President Bola Tinubu’s controversial declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The event brought together prominent politicians, including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha, ex-APC National Working Committee (NWC) member Salihu Lukman, and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir Lawal.
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When asked about the prospect of unified opposition, Atiku confirmed the initiative, signalling a determined effort to consolidate political influence ahead of the next general elections.
He criticised Tinubu’s handling of the Rivers crisis, accusing him of undermining democratic principles through partisan decision-making.
According to Atiku, the president’s actions violate the core responsibilities of his office.
“Tinubu has abandoned the principles of fairness and justice, choosing instead to engage in political favouritism. This is a betrayal of the oath he took to serve all Nigerians without bias,” he said.
Atiku also condemned Tinubu’s national address on March 18, 2025, describing it as a blatant display of partiality that further eroded public trust in the presidency.
Calling on Nigerians to reject the state of emergency, he warned that it posed a direct threat to the democratic structure of Rivers State.
He urged political leaders and citizens alike to resist what he called a “dangerous overreach” by the federal government.
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As tensions mount over the unfolding political crisis and discontent grows among opposition figures, the proposed coalition could emerge as a formidable challenge to the APC’s dominance in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.
