ELECTION 2027: Tension as Delegates Disrupt Atiku, Obi Coalition Meeting in Abuja

Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar 

A high-profile political coalition meeting involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and other opposition leaders was briefly disrupted on Sunday in Abuja due to a disagreement among delegates.

The incident occurred during a session convened by the National Political Consultative Group (North) at the Abuja Continental Hotel. Tensions flared when a dispute emerged over the choice of spokesperson for the Jigawa State delegation.

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, had named a delegate to speak on behalf of the Jigawa contingent. However, some delegates from the state objected to his selection, rising in protest and causing a temporary halt to proceedings.

Peter Obi and Atiku

Security personnel, including police officers and operatives of the State Security Service (SSS), quickly intervened, creating a protective shield around key political figures such as Atiku Abubakar and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi. The situation was eventually brought under control, and two delegates, including Mustapha Lamido—son of former Jigawa governor Sule Lamido—were later chosen to speak for the state.

Coalition Strategy for 2027

The disrupted meeting is part of a broader opposition strategy to unite forces against President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election. Atiku had in March confirmed the formation of an opposition coalition aimed at dislodging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“This marks the beginning of a strong opposition alliance ahead of 2027,” Atiku declared earlier this year.

Key figures in the coalition include former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and former Minister Rotimi Amaechi, among others. However, the move has been met with resistance from within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), especially from governors and lawmakers who argue that such efforts should be institutionally driven by the party rather than led by individuals.

Despite the internal party friction, Atiku maintains that forming a broad coalition remains the most viable path to unseating the APC government.

Rumours of ADC Endorsement Denied

Amid reports suggesting that the coalition had agreed to adopt the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its political platform for 2027, coalition spokesperson Salihu Lukman issued a rebuttal.

“The public should disregard the story as it is completely false. No such decision has been taken,” Lukman clarified.