Chaos erupted at the Abuja Continental Hotel as a high-stakes opposition coalition meeting involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi was briefly disrupted by delegates from Jigawa State.
The meeting, convened by the National Political Consultative Group (North) was designed to foster a broad-based alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, the gathering descended into chaos when former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, attempted to introduce a delegate to speak for Jigawa State.
In protest, a group of Jigawa representatives stormed the stage, rejecting the nominee and demanding a change in representation.
Security personnel, including officers from the police, Department of State Services (DSS), and private security firms, swiftly intervened to protect key figures such as Atiku, Obi, and Amaechi.
Calm was eventually restored after Mustapha Lamido, son of former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, and another delegate were accepted as the state’s spokespersons.
Despite the disruption, the closed-door meeting proceeded, focusing on consolidating a formidable political coalition to unseat President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
In a statement posted on his social media platforms, Atiku confirmed the event, saying, “H.E. Peter Obi and I just arrived at the Abuja Continental Hotel for the National Political Consultative Group (North) event.”
Sources close to the opposition leaders revealed that Atiku had earlier offered Peter Obi a vice-presidential slot on a single-term ticket, pledging to hand over power after one term if elected.
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The offer was reportedly made during a private meeting in the United Kingdom earlier this year.
“There’s growing consensus. Obi is expected to accept the VP role, with both camps agreeing to a formal agreement,” a source disclosed. “Atiku is committed to stepping down after one term to allow Obi succeed him.”
With internal strife weakening both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP), opposition leaders are exploring alternative political platforms.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has emerged as the leading contender, with multiple sources confirming that discussions with ADC leadership have intensified.
“The Social Democratic Party (SDP) was considered, but it appears compromised by APC elements,” one insider noted.
“The ADC is now being strongly considered for the coalition’s presidential platform.”
While reaffirming his loyalty to the Labour Party in a recent video, Peter Obi did not dismiss coalition talks.
“I remain committed to the Labour Party,” he said, while blaming systemic issues for the crises affecting opposition parties.
“These problems are deliberate and caused by the system.”
Obi further called on Nigerian youths to remain engaged and hopeful.
“Real change won’t come easy. We must resist the entrenched political class and build strong opposition parties,” he said, also advocating for an age limit on political candidates, noting that he would be 65 in 2027.
Paul Ibe, Atiku’s media aide, confirmed ongoing coalition efforts: “His Excellency Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi are committed to building a broad-based alliance to unseat the clueless APC government in 2027.”
Peter Ahmeh, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and a close Obi ally, declined to confirm the single-term deal but emphasized the importance of unity:
“Only a strong and united opposition can stop the APC,” he said.
Ralph Nwosu, ADC National Chairman, acknowledged that opposition discussions are underway but did not confirm a formal proposal from Atiku or Obi.