Exclusive: 11 PDP Governors Declare War On Tinubu’s Emergency Rule In Rivers – Legal Battle Heats Up

Exclusive: 11 PDP Governors Declare War On Tinubu’s Emergency Rule In Rivers – Legal Battle Heats Up

A legal battle has been triggered following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, with 11 Governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) filing a lawsuit at the Supreme Court…….READ MORE 

The Governors are contesting the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and the entire Rivers State House of Assembly, as well as the appointment of a sole administrator to govern the state.

The governors, in their suit (SC/CV/329/2025), are questioning the legality of President Tinubu’s actions. They argue that suspending the state’s elected officials and imposing a state of emergency in Rivers is unconstitutional.

Representing states such as Adamawa, Enugu, Osun, Oyo, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, Delta, Taraba, Zamfara, and Bayelsa, the plaintiffs are seeking the Supreme Court’s clarification on whether the President has the constitutional power to suspend democratically elected officials and appoint a sole administrator. They believe this move violates key sections of the Nigerian Constitution, including Sections 1(2), 5(2), 176, 180, 188, and 305.

Additionally, the PDP governors are requesting a review of the suspension of the Rivers State House of Assembly and questioning whether such actions, under the guise of a state of emergency, are constitutional.

The governors are also concerned about the potential threat of similar actions being taken against other states and argue that these actions undermine the autonomy of state governments and federalism.

The lawsuit marks the end of weeks of speculation regarding the opposition governors’ response to President Tinubu’s move. According to sources at the Supreme Court, the suit was confirmed on Tuesday, though there were delays in serving the court papers.

This legal challenge follows claims that the Attorney General of the Federation had yet to be served with the suit before its confirmation, leading to anticipation of the case’s next steps.