A high-profile political coalition meeting in Abuja, featuring former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, was disrupted on Sunday, May 25, 2025, when delegates from Jigawa State protested over representation issues.
The meeting, organized by the National Political Consultative Group (North) at the Abuja Continental Hotel, aimed to unify opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections. Tensions escalated when Babachir Lawal, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, introduced a delegate to speak on behalf of Jigawa State. This move was met with immediate resistance, as several Jigawa delegates stormed the stage, rejecting the nominee and insisting they would not accept imposed representation.
Security personnel, including officers from the Nigerian Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and private security, intervened to restore order and protect key political figures.
After several tense minutes, calm was restored following interventions and appeals. A compromise was reached with the selection of Mustapha Lamido, son of former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, alongside another delegate, to represent the state in the ongoing discussions.
The incident has sparked concerns over internal unity within the emerging coalition, highlighting the challenges of forging a broad-based alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
