Jigawa Delegates Disrupt Atiku, Obi’s Coalition Meeting

 A high-profile coalition meeting held at the Abuja Continental Hotel on May 25, 2025, aimed at forging a united opposition front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, descended into chaos when delegates from Jigawa State disrupted proceedings.

The meeting, organized by the National Political Consultative Group (North), brought together prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal. The disruption occurred when Lawal announced a delegate to speak on behalf of Jigawa State, prompting immediate objections from other Jigawa delegates who rejected the chosen representative, insisting they had not been consulted.

The protesters stormed the stage, physically blocking the nominated speaker and sparking a heated confrontation that halted the meeting. Security personnel, including Nigeria Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and private guards, quickly intervened, forming a protective barrier around key figures to prevent escalation. The incident highlighted deep-seated tensions over representation and influence within the coalition, reflecting broader challenges in unifying diverse political interests. After several minutes of appeals from senior leaders, calm was restored, and a compromise was reached, allowing Mustapha Lamido, son of former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido, and another delegate to speak for the state.

The meeting was part of ongoing efforts to build a broad-based coalition to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s APC in 2027, with discussions focusing on addressing Nigeria’s insecurity, economic hardship, and governance failures. Atiku emphasized the need for decisive leadership to tackle northern Nigeria’s challenges, such as the proliferation of Almajiri children, while Obi called for investments in education and a shift from ethnic-based politics to competence-driven leadership. The disruption underscored the fragility of opposition alliances, with internal divisions threatening to undermine their unity. The coalition issued a communiqué stressing the need for collective action and knowledge-driven governance, but the incident has raised questions about the coalition’s ability to navigate regional and personal rivalries as the election approaches.