How delegates disrupt Atiku, Obi coalition meeting

A high-level political gathering aimed at strengthening opposition unity ahead of the 2027 general elections was briefly thrown into disarray on Sunday, May 25, 2025, following a heated disagreement among delegates.

The meeting, which took place at the Abuja Continental Hotel, was attended by key opposition figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.

According to Punch newspaper, the disruption occurred during deliberations led by the National Political Consultative Group (North). The tension arose over internal disputes among delegates from Jigawa State, particularly over who would speak on their behalf. Trouble began when Babachir Lawal, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, introduced a representative to speak for the state. Some Jigawa delegates immediately protested the choice, leading to a breakdown in proceedings.

Security forces, including operatives from the Nigeria Police Force and the State Security Service (SSS), swiftly intervened to restore order. They formed a protective ring around top political figures at the meeting, including Atiku and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi.

After several tense minutes, calm returned to the venue. Mustapha Lamido, son of former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido, and another delegate were selected to represent the Jigawa group.

Opposition Coalition Taking Shape

The Abuja meeting is part of ongoing efforts to build a unified opposition coalition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. Atiku had earlier declared the formation of a coalition in March, stating, “Yes, this is the birth of the coalition of opposition ahead of 2027.”

Key opposition figures involved in the initiative include Rotimi Amaechi, former Governor of Rivers State; Nasir El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State; and other notable political heavyweights. However, the coalition effort has not been without internal challenges.

Some governors and lawmakers within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have expressed concern, warning that such a coalition could sideline the party structure.

Despite the pushback, Atiku has maintained that a broad alliance is essential to defeat the APC in 2027.

Rumors of ADC Endorsement Denied

There have been recent media reports suggesting that Atiku and Obi had agreed to adopt the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the platform for the coalition. However, this claim has been refuted by coalition spokesperson Salihu Lukman.

“The public should disregard the story as it is completely false. No such decision has been taken,” Lukman said.

High-Profile Attendance

Sunday’s closed-door dialogue featured several prominent political leaders including:

• Atiku Abubakar (Vice President of Nigeria, 1999–2007; PDP presidential candidate, 2023)
• Peter Obi (former Governor of Anambra State; Labour Party presidential candidate, 2023)
• Rotimi Amaechi (former Governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transportation)
• Rauf Aregbesola (former Governor of Osun State and Minister of Interior)