A new opposition coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar announced its formation today in Abuja, directly challenging President Bola Tinubu's administration and his recent declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State [1][2].

The coalition, which includes former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, emerged in response to Tinubu's March 18 declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara [1].

At a press conference held at the Yar'Adua Centre, Atiku confirmed the group's intention to challenge Tinubu in the 2027 elections, stating simply "Yes" when asked if this marked the birth of a major opposition coalition [1].

The coalition identified five constitutional violations in Tinubu's emergency declaration, including [3]:- Illegal removal of elected officials- Misuse of emergency powers under Section 305- Failure to meet constitutional requirements- Procedural violations- Ignoring alternative legal solutions

"This State of Emergency declaration is not about security—it is about power grabbing and control," Atiku stated during the press conference [2]. The coalition demanded immediate reversal of the emergency declaration and reinstatement of Rivers State's elected officials.

Former Governor El-Rufai emphasized the unconstitutional nature of the action, citing a 2006 Supreme Court precedent that prohibits removing elected officials through emergency declarations [1].