Abuja, Nigeria – As the 2027 elections dey approach, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi don meet with coalition leaders in Abuja. Dem gather for Abuja Continental Hotel on Sunday to discuss how to secure northern leaders’ support to challenge President Bola Tinubu‘s government.
The meeting, organized by the National Political Consultative Group (North), also include former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and prominent political figures. This gathering come after dem announce their coalition earlier this year on March 20, dey aim to strengthen opposition unity against Tinubu.
Other notable attendees include Babachir Lawal, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, and Abubakar Malami, former Attorney General of the Federation. Dem also welcome representatives from various northern states, focusing on pressing issues like security, national unity, and the need for competent leadership.
The meeting start around 3 p.m. but e no pass long before tensions arise. Jigawa State delegates disrupt proceedings, protesting the choice of their representative. “We no go allow that one; we want our own to talk,” dem shout, and security personnel quickly step in to restore order.
Amid the skirmish, Mustapha Lamido, son of former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, later speak on behalf of the state. According to a source who spoke in confidence, the leaders discuss the worsening state of poverty, insecurity, and hunger in northern Nigeria, blaming Tinubu’s administration for the decline.
The source say, “Obi and Amaechi call on northern leaders to wake up and unite for the sake of the region.” Dem proceed to suggest the formation of four committees to tackle these issues and draft a communique.
In response to inquiries about the meeting, National Secretary of the Coalition for United Political Parties, Peter Ahmeh, explain say, “We just dey review the situation for the north. We come together to discuss solutions. Full details go drop tomorrow.”
Sowunmi, one PDP chieftain, later comment on the meeting, urging the party to consider reintroducing Peter Obi into their fold. He call on party members to reflect on how to bring Obi back following his previous electoral success.
“Obi dey represent the South-East; he get significant following. If PDP wan strategize, dem must ask how to bring him back,” Sowunmi emphasize in a TV interview. He highlight the party’s need for innovation and unity to compete effectively with Tinubu’s administration.
