Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and ex-Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai have condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it unconstitutional.
The opposition leaders, who gathered in Abuja on Thursday, March 20, urged the National Assembly to reject the move and demanded the reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the suspended state lawmakers.
Speaking at a press conference at the Yar’Adua Centre, Atiku accused Tinubu of favouritism and undermining democracy.
He said, “We are a cross-section of leaders and political stakeholders from across the country. We have come together to address the dangerous and unconstitutional actions taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on March 18, 2025—to wit, the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the illegal suspension of the democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and the State House of Assembly.”
Atiku described the action as “not only unlawful but also a clear subversion of democracy and imposition of autocratic federal control over a duly elected state government.”
He added, “We strongly condemn this development and call on all Nigerians of good conscience to resist this brazen assault on the constitution of our country and the institutions of our democracy.”
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The PDP presidential candidate in the last election argued that Tinubu’s decision was influenced by political bias rather than national interest.
“Mr President’s illegal and unconstitutional proclamation was presumably driven by the protracted insidious political crisis in Rivers State, which culminated in the recent ruling of the Supreme Court.
“Naturally, we expected all parties to the dispute to follow laid-down procedures, and in good faith, to promptly implement the judgment of the highest court of the land.
“We note that despite the provocative statements and belligerent attitude of his opponents, Governor Fubara had demonstrated goodwill and appeared disposed to the implementation of the ruling of the Supreme Court.
“However, rather than rise above the fray, the president 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.’
“If President Tinubu had conveniently disguised his true intentions in the past, his broadcast to the nation on 18th March 2025 betrayed his bias and fell far below the standard of comportment expected from his exalted office.”
The opposition figures called for immediate action to reverse the declaration, urging the National Assembly to uphold democratic principles and prevent what they see as executive overreach.