Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has affirmed that opposition figures across Nigeria are now prepared to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Since his defeat in the 2023 election, Atiku has been actively engaging with key opposition leaders to strategize on reclaiming power from the ruling party.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja on Thursday, alongside other opposition figures, Atiku described the gathering as a significant step toward consolidating opposition efforts ahead of the next election cycle.
When asked if the press conference marked the formal formation of an opposition coalition, Atiku responded, “this is the birth of the coalition of opposition ahead of 2027.”
His remarks come in the wake of President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, which saw the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the members of the State House of Assembly.
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from opposition figures.
During the press briefing, Atiku accused Tinubu’s administration of favoritism, stating that governance should be based on democratic principles rather than selective political interests.
Among the prominent opposition leaders present at the event were 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 Ameh; and Convener of the Alternative, Segun Showunmi, among others.
