Finally, Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai unite against Tinubu

Opposition political heavyweights in Nigeria have united to oppose President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

They also called on Nigeria’s bicameral National Assembly to oppose the development.

Led by former vice president Atiku Abubakar, the team also had former Anambra Governor and former Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi (represented by Yunusa Tanko, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation), former Kaduna Governor , Nasir El-Rufai, Babachir Lawal, former Kaduna State Governor, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties, Peter Ahmeh, and Convenor of the Alternative, Segun Showunmi, among others.

Among those whose apologies for inability to attend were announced are former governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), and the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Adamu, among others.

While speaking on behalf of the opposition leaders at the press briefing monitored by Diaspora Digital Media at Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja on Thursday, Atiku accused Tinubu of favouritism and the illegal use of Section 305 regarding the state of emergency.

His words: “We are a cross-section of leaders and political stakeholders from across the country. We have come together to address the dangerous and unconstitutional actions taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on March 18, 2025-to wit, the declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State and the illegal suspension of the democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and the State House of Assembly.

“This action is not only unlawful but also a clear subversion of democracy and imposition of autocratic federal control over a duly elected state government.

“We strongly condemn this development and call on all Nigerians of good conscience to resist this brazen assault on the constitution of our country and the institutions of our democracy.

“Mr President’s illegal and unconstitutional proclamation was presumably driven by the protracted insidious political crisis in Rivers State, which culminated in the recent ruling of the Supreme Court.

“Naturally, we expected all parties to the dispute to follow laid-down procedures, and in good faith, to promptly implement the judgment of the highest court of the land.

“We note that despite provocative statements and belligerent attitude of his opponents, Governor Fubara had demonstrated goodwill and appeared disposed to the implementation of the ruling of the Supreme Court.

“However, rather than rise above the fray, the president yielded to petty favouritism and betrayed the oath that he solemnly swore to before God and man, which was to “do right to all manner of people, according to law, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.”

“If president Tinubu had conveniently disguised his true intentions in the past, his broadcast to the nation on 18th March 2025 betrayed his bias and fell far below the standard of comportment expected from his exalted office.”

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