Special Issue, March 2025
The political landscape in Nigeria has once again been thrust into turbulence following the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by the Tinubu administration. Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and a leading figure in the opposition, at a Press Conference held today at the Shehu Musa Ya Ardua Centre Abuja, strongly condemned this move, calling it an unconstitutional overreach and a direct assault on Nigeria’s democratic institutions. His press conference today served as both a rebuttal of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s governance failures and a rallying cry for a unified opposition to rescue Nigeria from its current downward spiral.
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| Atiku Abubakar |
Atiku’s
response was not just about Rivers State—it was about the broader trajectory of
Nigeria under the current administration. He stated emphatically, “Holding
the people of Rivers State accountable for political disputes between the
governor and federal authorities is an assault on democracy” (Legit.ng,
2025). His critique of Tinubu’s leadership extends beyond political maneuvering
to deep-seated governance failures that necessitate a formidable coalition to
restore Nigeria’s democratic and economic vitality.
A Presidency Under Siege: The
Failures of the Tinubu Administration
The
administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been marred by economic
mismanagement, policy inconsistency, and political suppression. Key failures of
this government make the case for a strong and united opposition under Atiku
Abubakar.
The
Tinubu government’s hasty removal of fuel subsidies, without implementing a
robust cushioning mechanism, has triggered an economic crisis of historic
proportions. Coupled with the free-floating of the naira, inflation has
skyrocketed, and purchasing power has plummeted. Nigeria’s middle class is
vanishing, and small businesses—once the backbone of the economy—are shutting
down in droves (Financial Times, 2025).
Meanwhile,
the administration’s failure to stabilize the exchange rate has led to the
recent decision by Dangote Refinery to suspend fuel sales in naira,
highlighting the chaotic nature of the government’s economic policies (Reuters,
2025). These crises have resulted in a significant loss of investor confidence,
exacerbating the already dire economic situation.
Healthcare Crisis: Bureaucracy Over
Lives
The
revelation that over 3,000 leprosy patients, including 800 children, were left
untreated due to bureaucratic failures is a tragic testament to the
government’s misplaced priorities (El País, 2025). This is a clear indication
of systemic collapse, where governance is reduced to grandstanding while
citizens suffer preventable hardships.
Political Instability and the Rivers
Crisis
The
declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State is widely seen as a
politically motivated move aimed at weakening opposition-controlled regions.
Atiku Abubakar’s swift and decisive response has placed him at the forefront of
defending democracy, reinforcing his role as the natural leader of the
opposition coalition. His statement—“A one-party state is the death of
democracy. Nigeria cannot afford to fall into that abyss”—reflects a
broader concern about Tinubu’s creeping authoritarianism (Vanguard, 2023).
Why the Opposition Must Unite: The
Case for a Coalition
Atiku
Abubakar has long championed the need for a united opposition to prevent
Nigeria from sliding into a de facto one-party state. The 2023 elections
exposed the dangers of a fragmented opposition. Without strategic unity, the
ruling party will continue to exploit divisions among opposition figures.
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| Atiku Abubakar flanked Yunusa Tanko, Mallam El Rufai, Emeka Iheodia at the Press Conference |
Atiku Abubakar: The Opposition
Leader Nigeria Needs
Atiku
Abubakar is not just another politician—he is a seasoned statesman with an
unmatched grasp of governance, economic management, and democratic principles.
Here are the essential qualities that make him the leader Nigeria cannot afford
to miss in 2027:
1. Political Experience and
Institutional Knowledge
Atiku’s
tenure as Vice President (1999–2007) was a period of economic reforms and
democratic strengthening. His experience in governance gives him a clear
understanding of Nigeria’s federal structure, allowing him to navigate the
complexities of national administration effectively.
2. Bridge-Builder and Coalition
Strategist
One
of Atiku’s strongest qualities is his ability to unite diverse political
interests. His political career has been marked by alliances across regional,
religious, and ideological divides. Unlike many opposition figures, he
understands the necessity of building coalitions and managing alliances to
achieve common goals.
3. Pro-Business and Economic
Visionary
Atiku
has long been an advocate of privatization and economic liberalization. His
economic blueprint emphasizes public-private partnerships, foreign direct
investment attraction, and small-business empowerment. In contrast to Tinubu’s
erratic policy execution, Atiku offers a structured and well-thought-out
approach to economic revival.
4. Defender of Democracy and
Institutional Integrity
Atiku
has consistently championed electoral reforms, including the implementation of
electronic voting and judicial independence. His legal battles after the 2023
elections were not merely about personal ambition but about setting a precedent
for electoral accountability in Nigeria.
Conclusion: 2027 is a Defining
Moment for Nigeria
Nigeria
stands at a crucial crossroads. The failures of the Tinubu administration have
created a national crisis that requires urgent intervention. The opposition
must rise above petty divisions and rally behind a leader with the vision,
experience, and credibility to challenge the status quo. That leader is Atiku
Abubakar.
As
2027 approaches, the question Nigerians must ask themselves is simple: Can we
afford another four years of economic instability, political suppression, and
governance failure? If the answer is no, then Atiku and a united opposition
coalition are the only viable path to a new beginning for Nigeria.
History
beckons. Will the opposition answer the call?
www.politicalpanorama.com.ng
2 Comments
come the 2027 general election i feel nigerians have to be awakened,meaning we should all go out and vote for the right leaders to represent us.For us to able to achieve this we have to put aside factors that really dont matter as far as Nigeria is concerned
ReplyDeleteYou’ve raised a valid and deeply felt concern shared by many Nigerians, especially the youth. The integrity of INEC is central to the health of our democracy, and the perception that the presidency controls who chairs the Commission undermines public trust—even before elections begin. From Professor Attahiru Jega to Professor Mahmood Yakubu, we've seen both commendable efforts and controversial moments. However, what remains clear is that as long as the appointment of the INEC Chairman rests solely with the President, questions about neutrality will persist.
DeleteTo restore confidence, especially among young voters, Nigeria needs an independent, transparent, and participatory process for selecting electoral leadership—possibly involving the judiciary, civil society, and National Assembly in a more open screening process. Only when institutions are insulated from executive influence can democracy thrive and citizens believe that their votes truly count.
What reforms do you think should be prioritized to rebuild this trust?