Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has confirmed that he and other opposition politicians are forming a coalition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.

Atiku made the announcement during a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, March 20, where political stakeholders gathered to address the state of emergency declared in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.

The event was attended by key political figures, including former Kaduna Governor Nasir el-Rufai, former Imo 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 whether opposition politicians were working towards forming a coalition against the APC, Atiku responded affirmatively, stating, “Yes.”

Atiku strongly criticized President Tinubu’s decision to impose a state of emergency in Rivers, accusing him of acting based on “petty favouritism” and betraying his oath of office.

“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,” Atiku said.

He further condemned Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast on March 18, 2025, describing it as “biased” and “falling below the standard of comportment expected from his exalted office.”

Atiku called on Nigerians to resist the emergency rule in Rivers State, labelling it as a “brazen affront” on the state’s elected government.

With Atiku and other opposition leaders aligning to challenge the APC, the political landscape ahead of 2027 is shaping up for a fierce contest.