JUST IN: Atiku, Fayemi, Amaechi, El-Rufai unveil coalition against Tinubu

Former Vice President and Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election, Atiku Abubakar, has confirmed the formation of a coalition aimed at challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 election cycle.

Atiku made the revelation during a press conference held on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Centre in Abuja.

The event, which brought together concerned leaders and political stakeholders in Nigeria, was convened to address the controversial declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu a couple of days ago.

When asked whether the emerging coalition would serve as the major opposition against the APC in the upcoming elections, Atiku responded affirmatively, saying, “Yes.”

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His confirmation signalled a significant political realignment as opposition forces strategised to challenge the APC’s dominance in the next election cycle. While details of the coalition remained unclear, the move suggested intensified efforts by opposition leaders to present a united front against the ruling party.

The press conference also saw Atiku and other stakeholders condemning the State of Emergency imposed on Rivers State, calling it an unconstitutional act aimed at undermining democracy in Nigeria.

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and other opposition leaders present at the ongoing press conference include, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who is 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.

Among those whose apologies 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.

Details later