The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, has announced the formation of a coalition of opposition political parties aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Speaking at a press conference at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, Atiku declared, “Yes, this is the birth of the coalition of opposition ahead of 2027.”
This announcement follows President Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which has sparked widespread condemnation.
–Full Speech: Joint Press Conference by Concerned Leaders and Political Stakeholders
Fellow Nigerians,
We, a cross-section of leaders and stakeholders, condemn President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unconstitutional declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and State House of Assembly.
This action undermines democracy and imposes federal control over a duly elected state government.
We reject this development and urge all Nigerians to resist this assault on constitutional governance.
Constitutional Violations:
1. Illegal Removal of State Officials:
The Nigerian Constitution (Section 188) outlines that a Governor can only be removed through impeachment by the State Assembly — not by presidential proclamation.
2. Misuse of Section 305: Section 305 permits emergency declarations only under severe conditions like war or a breakdown of public order. It does not allow the President to suspend elected officials.
3. Failure to Meet Requirements:
Rivers State faces no war, violence, or natural disaster to justify emergency rule.
4. Lack of Due Process: Emergency declarations require approval from two-thirds of the National Assembly — at least 72 Senators and 240 House members. Without this, the declaration is void.
5. Ignoring Legal Alternatives: If the Rivers Assembly was dysfunctional, the President could have encouraged intervention under Section 11 — which still doesn’t allow the removal of the Governor or Deputy Governor.
A Manufactured Crisis for Political Control This isn’t about security — it’s about power. The crisis stems from 27 Assembly members defecting from PDP to APC, losing their seats under the Constitution. The federal government now uses this as an excuse for control.
If security is the issue, who controls the police, military, and DSS — the Governor or the President?
Our Demands:
1. Immediate Reversal: President Tinubu must revoke the unconstitutional proclamation and reinstate Rivers State’s elected leaders.
2. National Assembly Rejection: Lawmakers must refuse to legitimize this power grab.
3. Judicial Intervention: The judiciary must strike down this proclamation to prevent future misuse.
4. Public Resistance: Civil society, political groups, and Nigerians must defend democracy. Rivers State is not a conquered territory.
Conclusion
A stable Niger Delta is essential to Nigeria’s economy. The federal government must not manufacture political crises that threaten this stability.
Personal political interests must never override democracy and constitutional governance.
This isn’t just about Rivers State — it’s about the future of Nigeria’s democracy.
Thank you.Thursday, March 20, 2025
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