A high-profile coalition meeting of opposition figures in Abuja ended in disarray on Saturday when delegates from Jigawa State stormed the venue, protesting over representation issues.
The meeting, convened by the National Political Consultative Group (North) at the Abuja Continental Hotel, had brought together prominent political figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi.
According to sources present at the event, tensions escalated when Babachir Lawal, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, announced a delegate to represent Jigawa State without proper consultation with the state's representatives who were present at the meeting.
"The Jigawa delegates felt sidelined and immediately voiced their displeasure, leading to a chaotic scene that temporarily halted proceedings," an eyewitness reported.
The meeting, which political analysts believe was part of ongoing consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections, also had in attendance Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, who was Peter Obi's running mate in the 2023 presidential election.
This gathering comes amid increasing political realignments as opposition parties seek to form a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Earlier statements from various political groups had called for the presidency to be zoned to the South in the next election cycle.
Security personnel eventually restored order at the venue, but the incident has raised questions about internal cohesion within the coalition as it prepares for future political contests.
Neither Atiku Abubakar nor Peter Obi has issued an official statement regarding the disruption as of press time.
