Chaos erupts at Atiku-Obi-Amaechi coalition meeting as Jigawa delegates disrupt proceedings

Tensions flared on Sunday during a high-stakes political meeting of Nigerian opposition leaders attempting to forge a coalition united front ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The closed-door session, convened by the National Political Consultative Group (North) at the Abuja Continental Hotel, was abruptly disrupted by delegates from Jigawa State in protest over representation issues.

The meeting brought together some of Nigeria’s most influential political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi; former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal; former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai; and 2023 Labour Party Vice Presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed.

Other notable attendees included PDP Board of Trustees Chairman Adolphus Wabara, former Attorney General Abubakar Malami (SAN), and the National Secretary of the Coalition for United Political Parties, Peter Ahmeh.

However, approximately two hours into the session, chaos erupted when Babachir Lawal announced a speaker to represent Jigawa State.

A group of visibly agitated Jigawa delegates stormed the stage, shouting down the appointed speaker and insisting they had not been consulted or fairly represented.

Security operatives, including personnel from the Nigeria Police and Department of State Services (DSS), quickly intervened to de-escalate the tension, surrounding key political figures to ensure their safety.

The impasse was eventually resolved when a compromise was reached: Mustapha Lamido, son of former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, was selected to speak on behalf of the state, alongside one other nominee.

This incident marks the latest in a series of internal challenges confronting the newly formed opposition coalition.

ALSO READ : Tobi Amusan sets new meet record with 12.45s victory at Rabat Diamond League

The coalition was formally announced in Abuja on March 20, with promises of unity and a renewed political vision.

However, Sunday’s disruption starkly exposed lingering divisions and the fragile nature of the alliance among various opposition figures.

Sources close to the coalition disclosed that ongoing talks are considering a joint platform, with political parties such as the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) being explored as possible vehicles for the alliance.

Despite the day’s drama, the meeting resumed after the incident and concluded around 7 p.m. without any official press statement from the participants.

Political analysts suggest that the coalition’s ability to effectively manage internal disagreements and align on a common agenda will be absolutely critical to its success in challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.