In a significant political development ahead of the 2027 general elections, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, ex-Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and other key opposition figures are intensifying efforts to build a united front by seeking the support of influential northern leaders.
A strategic meeting aimed at forming a formidable coalition was held on Sunday at the Abuja Continental Hotel. Organized by the National Political Consultative Group (North), the session was conducted behind closed doors and attracted several prominent political figures.
The initiative builds on an earlier move on March 20, when Atiku, Obi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and other stakeholders announced the formation of an alliance to challenge the current administration under President Bola Tinubu.
The latest meeting, which ran from mid-afternoon until evening, was attended by several political heavyweights, including former SGF Babachir Lawal, PDP Board of Trustees Chairman Adolphus Wabara, former Justice Minister Abubakar Malami (SAN), and Peter Ahmeh of the Coalition for United Political Parties.
Also present were Kashim Ibrahim-Imam and Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, Obi’s 2023 running mate.
While participants declined to speak publicly after the gathering, a reporter who gained access noted that representatives from all 19 northern states were present. Discussions reportedly focused on urgent national concerns such as worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and the demand for capable leadership.
However, the meeting was briefly disrupted when a disagreement broke out among delegates from Jigawa State.
Trouble started when Babachir Lawal introduced a delegate to speak on behalf of the state, sparking protests from other Jigawa representatives who challenged the selection and blocked the speaker from proceeding.
Security operatives, including officers from the Nigeria Police, the DSS, and private security teams, quickly intervened to protect high-profile attendees, including Atiku and Amaechi.
The tension subsided after Mustapha Lamido, son of former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido, was accepted to represent the state alongside another chosen delegate.
A source privy to the discussions told our correspondent that much of the conversation centered on the increasing hardship in northern Nigeria.
The source revealed that both Obi and Amaechi voiced concerns over the Tinubu administration’s handling of the economy and insecurity, stressing that the North was bearing the brunt of failed policies.
They reportedly urged northern leaders to unite behind a political alternative ahead of the 2027 elections. In line with this, Atiku and Malami also emphasized the need for coordinated action to confront the current administration’s perceived failures.
As part of the outcomes, stakeholders agreed to establish four working committees to examine various issues raised.
A formal statement outlining the resolutions reached is expected to be issued shortly.
Leave a Reply