Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has announced plans to form a political coalition with other opposition figures to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Abubakar confirmed that discussions were underway among opposition politicians to unite against the ruling party. The event was attended by prominent figures, 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.
When asked if the gathering marked the beginning of an opposition coalition, Abubakar responded affirmatively, saying, “Yes.”
The former vice president also criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as an act of “petty favouritism” that undermines democratic principles.
“President Tinubu 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,’” Abubakar said.
He further stated that Tinubu’s national broadcast on March 18, 2025, revealed a clear bias and failed to meet the standards expected of the presidency.
Calling on Nigerians to reject the emergency rule, Abubakar described the move as a direct assault on the democratically elected government in Rivers State.
