What was poised to be a landmark political convergence aimed at forging a united front to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections descended into chaos on Sunday, as internal wranglings among Jigawa State delegates disrupted the high-stakes meeting in Abuja.
The gathering, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel under the banner of the National Political Consultative Group (North), attracted heavyweight opposition leaders including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, among others. It was intended as a springboard for forming a grand alliance capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next election cycle.
However, tensions erupted when former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, named a delegate to speak on behalf of Jigawa State. His announcement was met with fierce resistance, as a faction of Jigawa delegates stormed the podium, shouting down the nominee and insisting he lacked the mandate to speak for them.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with heated arguments and physical jostling threatening to spiral into a full-blown altercation. Organizers were forced to abruptly halt proceedings as attempts to restore order proved futile.
The dramatic disruption laid bare the simmering fault lines within Nigeria’s fragmented opposition and raised concerns about the viability of a cohesive alliance ahead of the 2027 elections.
The meeting had already drawn significant public attention following Atiku Abubakar’s confirmation via social media. “H.E. Peter Obi and I just arrived at the Abuja Continental Hotel for the National Political Consultative Group (North) event,” Atiku posted on Sunday, signaling a rare show of unity among top opposition leaders.
In a twist that adds further intrigue to the unfolding political drama, Atiku is reported to have offered Peter Obi the vice-presidential slot on a proposed single-term ticket. According to an exclusive report by The PUNCH, the deal was allegedly discussed during a private meeting in the United Kingdom earlier this year, with Atiku promising to step down after one term to pave the way for Obi.
“Atiku and Obi met earlier this year in the UK. That was where Atiku first proposed the coalition and urged Obi to be his running mate. Obi requested time to consult with his core loyalists,” a source familiar with the discussions revealed.
As the dust settles from Sunday’s debacle, political analysts warn that unless opposition forces can overcome internal power tussles and present a unified strategy, their ambition to dethrone the APC may remain a distant dream.
For now, the opposition’s bold vision for 2027 appears to hang in the balance—fractured by the very divisions it hoped to overcome.
PIONEER NEWS 