Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar, alongside several key figures from the All Progressives Congress (APC), and leaders of many opposition Parties have rejected the emergency rule declared by president Bola Tinubu in Rivers State and launched a coalition to oppose him ahead of the 2027 general elections.
At a press conference, notable opposition figures in attendance include Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, represented by Yunusa Tanko, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties, Peter Ahmeh, and Convenor of the Alternative, Segun Showunmi, among others.
In addition, apologies were announced on behalf of former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, and the immediate past National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Adamu, among others.
Reading the communique on behalf of the opposition leaders, Atiku who described the Tinubu’s declaration as unconstitutional and illegal, reeled out the coalition’s demands to include immediate reversal of the declaration of State of Emergency in Rivers State.
“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately revoke this unconstitutional proclamation and reinstate the elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and State Assembly of Rivers State.
“National Assembly’s Rejection: We call on patriotic Senators and Representatives to vote against this illegal action when it comes before them for approval. The National Assembly must stand on the right side of history and not allow itself to be used to legitimise an unconstitutional power grab.
“Judicial Intervention: We urge the judiciary to act swiftly in striking down this proclamation, as it sets a dangerous precedent that could be used to arbitrarily remove any Governor in the future.”
However, it should be stated that the national assembly thereafter used voice vote to approve the state of emergency declaration.