A coalition meeting aimed at uniting opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections descended into chaos on Sunday after delegates from Jigawa State disrupted proceedings at the Abuja Continental Hotel.
The high-level gathering, organised by the National Political Consultative Group (North), had in attendance key political figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.
Tensions flared when former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, introduced a speaker purportedly representing Jigawa State. The announcement was immediately met with stiff resistance as some delegates from Jigawa stormed the stage, refusing to be represented by the nominated individual.
“We will not allow anyone to speak on our behalf without due consultation,” one of the aggrieved delegates shouted, prompting a flurry of movement from security officials.
As the confrontation threatened to spiral out of control, operatives of the Nigerian Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and private security swiftly moved in, forming a protective cordon around high-profile attendees such as Atiku, Obi, and Amaechi.
Calm was eventually restored after intense negotiations and appeals from party leaders. A compromise was reached with Mustapha Lamido—son of former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido—and another delegate being selected to speak for the state.
The incident underscores the fragile nature of coalition talks among opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections, as efforts to forge a united front continue to encounter internal frictions.
Despite the temporary setback, the meeting resumed shortly afterward, with leaders reaffirming their commitment to continued dialogue and cooperation.
