Rivers emergency rule’s ratification shows weakness of Atiku-led coalition

By Adamu Aliyu Aliyu/ABUJA//

A former Kano State governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, has cast doubt on the viability of the opposition coalition announced last week by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, saying its failure to influence the National Assembly’s ratification of emergency rule in Rivers State exposes its weakness.

Shekarau, who leads the League of Northern Democrats (LND), argued that while the coalition is a welcome development, it lacks the structure and party backing necessary to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

In a statement by his spokesperson, Dr Sule Yau, he said none of the key figures in the alliance had officially consulted their party leadership, making it more of an informal gathering of political aspirants than a structured opposition front.

“This is just a gathering of certain individuals with political ambitions; none of them has officially consulted their party leadership,” he said.

He contrasted the current opposition efforts with the 2013 merger that led to the formation of the APC, which united four established parties—the ANPP, ACN, CPC, and a faction of APGA.

“What happened at the National Assembly regarding the ‘State of Emergency’ in Rivers State has exposed the so-called coalition. It is clear they have no control over opposition lawmakers.

“If the coalition leaders had any real influence, the APC government would not have secured the required votes for the law’s passage,” he added.

Shekarau recalled how a similar coalition in 2019 failed to gain traction because elected PDP leaders distanced themselves from it. However, he suggested the opposition still has time to reorganise, stating, “With the right vision, mission, and focus, the opposition can change its narrative in 2025 and position itself for success in 2027.”