BREAKING: Atiku to Lead Coalition of Political Leaders to Hold Press Conference Today by 10:00 AM at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Centre in Abuja, Over President Tinubu’s Declaration of State of Emergency in Rivers State
In a major development concerning the political landscape of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, former vice president and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is set to lead a coalition of political leaders in a press conference scheduled for today at 10:00 AM at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Centre in Abuja. The press conference will address the recent declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State, a move that has ignited heated debates across the nation.
Atiku Abubakar’s leadership of this coalition signals the gravity of the situation, as political figures from across the spectrum have expressed their concerns over the implications of such a declaration. The press conference is expected to provide a platform for the coalition to articulate their position on the declaration and the broader political implications for governance in Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole.
On February 18, 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, following escalating political tensions between factions within the state’s political elite. This declaration came after weeks of intense political maneuvering, including the impeachment proceedings initiated by lawmakers loyal to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former governor of Rivers State. The impeachment motion targeted the incumbent governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, as well as other members of the state assembly.
Tinubu’s move to declare a state of emergency was seen as a response to the worsening political crisis in the state, which was threatening to spill over into violence and disrupt governance. The federal government’s intervention was seen as necessary to restore order and ensure the continued functioning of the state’s political institutions. As part of the emergency measures, President Tinubu suspended the state’s governor, his deputy, and the members of the state assembly, and appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice-admiral, to oversee the administration of the state.
The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State has sparked a political firestorm, with many critics arguing that it represents an overreach of federal power and undermines the democratic process in the state. The timing of the declaration, coming amid a volatile political climate, has raised concerns that the federal government may be using the state of emergency to further its political agenda and suppress opposition in Rivers State.
Atiku Abubakar’s planned press conference represents a coordinated response from opposition political figures who are deeply concerned about the potential erosion of democratic principles in Nigeria. As a prominent political figure with extensive experience in the country’s governance, Atiku is expected to be at the forefront of challenging what many see as an unprecedented federal intervention in a state’s internal affairs.
Atiku has been vocal in his opposition to several policies of the current administration, particularly those related to governance in the Niger Delta and the overall political climate in the country. His leadership in this coalition underscores his commitment to defending the principles of democracy and federalism in Nigeria, principles that many fear are being undermined by the state of emergency in Rivers State.
The coalition is expected to comprise political leaders from the main opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and other smaller regional and ethnic-based political groups. These leaders will likely argue that the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State is not only politically motivated but could set a dangerous precedent for other states in Nigeria, particularly those where the federal government faces opposition.
Atiku’s coalition is likely to highlight several key issues during the press conference, including:
- The Democratic Process and Rule of Law: The coalition will argue that the declaration of a state of emergency is an affront to the democratic process, particularly as it pertains to the right of the people of Rivers State to freely choose their leaders and representatives. The suspension of elected officials and the appointment of a military administrator is seen as undermining the will of the people, with some critics suggesting that it amounts to a form of federal dictatorship.
- Political Targeting and Manipulation: Atiku and his coalition members will likely assert that the state of emergency in Rivers State is politically motivated, aimed at weakening the influence of opposition forces within the state. They may argue that President Tinubu’s actions are part of a broader strategy to consolidate political control over states where opposition parties hold significant power.
- The Impact on the Niger Delta and Oil Economy: The Niger Delta, and Rivers State in particular, is at the heart of Nigeria’s oil economy. Any political instability in this region has the potential to disrupt the country’s oil production and exportation. The coalition may raise concerns about the economic fallout from the state of emergency, particularly as the Niger Delta has already faced significant challenges related to oil exploration, environmental degradation, and local governance issues.
- Federalism and Constitutional Principles: The coalition will likely frame the state of emergency as a challenge to Nigeria’s federal structure, where states are constitutionally supposed to have a degree of autonomy in managing their own affairs. The declaration of a state of emergency is seen by some as a violation of these federal principles, with the federal government potentially setting a dangerous precedent for intervention in state politics.
- Security and Human Rights Concerns: Another critical area of concern for the coalition is the potential for increased militarization in Rivers State. While the federal government has framed the state of emergency as a necessary measure to restore order, the presence of military personnel and the suspension of democratic institutions could raise serious human rights concerns, particularly in a region already grappling with insecurity and violence linked to militant groups and criminal activity.
The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State is not just an isolated event but part of a larger political and governance crisis in Nigeria. The Niger Delta, where Rivers State is located, has long been a region of political volatility, economic instability, and social unrest. The area is home to some of Nigeria’s most valuable oil reserves, but it has also been plagued by decades of neglect, corruption, and militant insurgency.
The political dynamics in Rivers State are intricately tied to national politics, particularly as it relates to the power struggle between the federal government and opposition parties. The state has been a stronghold for the opposition PDP, and the current governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is closely aligned with the party’s interests. As such, the declaration of a state of emergency is seen by many as an attempt by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to assert control over an important state in the Niger Delta and weaken the opposition’s grip on the region.
Atiku Abubakar, a former presidential candidate and one of the most prominent figures in Nigerian politics, is expected to lead the charge in defending the autonomy of states and the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions. His coalition, which will include figures from across the political spectrum, is poised to challenge the actions of the federal government in Rivers State and call for a return to normalcy, with the restoration of democratic governance in the state.
Atiku’s leadership of this coalition also underscores his ongoing relevance in Nigerian politics. Despite his defeat in the 2023 presidential election, he remains a key figure in opposition politics and is positioning himself as a staunch defender of democratic norms. His press conference today is likely to set the tone for the opposition’s response to Tinubu’s administration in the coming months and could serve as a rallying point for other political actors who are dissatisfied with the current government.
The press conference at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Centre in Abuja is expected to be highly charged and will likely attract significant media attention. Journalists, political analysts, and other observers will be keen to hear the coalition’s stance on the state of emergency in Rivers State and the broader implications for Nigeria’s political future.
During the press conference, Atiku and his fellow political leaders are expected to:
- Condemn the State of Emergency: The coalition will almost certainly condemn the federal government’s actions in Rivers State, framing them as an unconstitutional overreach and a violation of democratic principles. They will call for the immediate restoration of elected officials and the lifting of the state of emergency.
- Call for National Dialogue: The coalition is likely to call for a national dialogue to address the political and governance challenges facing Nigeria, particularly in the context of the Niger Delta. They may propose a series of reforms aimed at decentralizing power and ensuring greater autonomy for states in managing their own affairs.
- Seek International Support: Given the international interest in Nigeria’s political stability and its status as Africa’s largest oil producer, the coalition may appeal to the international community for support in addressing the political crisis in Rivers State. This could include calls for diplomatic pressure on the Nigerian government to adhere to democratic norms and respect the rule of law.
- Outline Future Strategies: Atiku and his coalition members will likely outline their strategy for challenging the federal government’s actions both legally and politically. This could include plans for court challenges, public protests, and other forms of political mobilization to resist the state of emergency and demand the restoration of democratic governance in Rivers State.
The press conference led by Atiku Abubakar today is a critical moment in Nigeria’s ongoing political drama. The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State has ignited intense debates about federalism, the rule of law, and the future of Nigerian democracy. Atiku’s leadership of this coalition represents a significant challenge to President Tinubu’s administration, as it brings together opposition forces that are united in their opposition to what they see as an overreach of federal power.
The outcome of this political standoff will have far-reaching implications for the governance of Rivers State and for Nigeria as a whole. It will also set the stage for the future political battles that will shape the country’s political landscape in the years to come. As the press conference unfolds, all eyes will be on Atiku and his coalition, as they make their case against the state of emergency and push for a return to democratic norms in Rivers State.
