A major coalition meeting featuring former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi was thrown into disarray on Sunday at the Abuja Continental Hotel.
The gathering, convened by the National Political Consultative Group (North), was abruptly disrupted by delegates from Jigawa State who challenged the legitimacy of their state’s representation.
The disruption occurred amid discussions on coalition building ahead of the 2027 elections, with a heated dispute over who should speak for Jigawa. Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, had announced a delegate to represent Jigawa, but this move was met with fierce opposition from several Jigawa delegates present.
In a dramatic scene, the Jigawa delegates stormed the stage, physically blocking the appointed speaker and vocally rejecting the nomination. “We will not be represented by those named,” they insisted, signaling deep divisions within the state’s political ranks.
Security forces, including the Nigerian Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and private security personnel, swiftly intervened to protect key figures such as Atiku, Amaechi, and others from the escalating confrontation. After tense moments, calm was restored when Mustapha Lamido, son of former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido, along with another delegate, was selected to officially speak on behalf of Jigawa.
This disruption underscores the fragile nature of coalition politics in Nigeria, especially as key opposition figures attempt to unite forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.
