The coalition of opposition parties aiming to unseat President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections appears to be facing early internal strife, following a dramatic disruption at a high-level meeting in Abuja on Friday.
Held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, the meeting, convened by the National Political Consultative Group, North, brought together some of Nigeria’s most influential political figures, including:
- Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President
- Peter Obi, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate
- Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister and Rivers State Governor
- Babachir Lawal, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation
- Donald Duke, former Cross River State Governor
- Jerry Gana, former Minister of Information
- Senator Adolphus Wabara, PDP BoT Chairman
- Representatives for Rauf Aregbesola and other northern stakeholders
The coalition, still debating a common platform and format, was expected to make a significant announcement this week. However, those plans were upended after delegates from Jigawa State disrupted proceedings, bringing the meeting to an abrupt halt.
What Sparked the Chaos?
The incident unfolded after Babachir Lawal introduced a delegate to speak on behalf of Jigawa State. This move was instantly rejected by several Jigawa attendees, who stormed the stage, protesting what they called an imposed representation.
The situation quickly escalated, creating a tense and chaotic atmosphere. Security forces, including the Nigerian Police, DSS operatives, and private security, had to intervene to prevent violence.
No Consensus Yet
Insiders reveal that despite several rounds of talks, the coalition remains divided on two key fronts:
- Platform – Whether to merge into one existing party or create a new political vehicle
- Format – How leadership and candidate selections would be structured
What Next?
With time ticking towards 2027, analysts say the coalition must resolve internal disputes and clarify its structure quickly if it hopes to mount a serious challenge to the ruling APC. The Jigawa debacle highlights the deep fault lines that still exist among opposition actors—especially regarding regional representation and power-sharing.
An official statement is expected in the coming days, although it remains unclear whether the coalition will remain intact or further fragment under mounting internal tensions.
