Delegates disrupt Atiku, Obi’s coalition meeting

DDM News

A high-stakes coalition meeting involving key political figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi erupted into chaos following a heated disagreement over state representation.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the meeting, intended to foster unity ahead of future political alignments, was abruptly interrupted by protesting delegates from Jigawa State.

The dispute began when former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, named a delegate to speak for Jigawa State.

This announcement sparked outrage among other Jigawa representatives, who took to the stage in defiance, rejecting the appointed speaker.

They insisted that the individual had no mandate to speak on their behalf, demanding a more acceptable representative.

The confrontation quickly drew the attention of security operatives present at the venue, including personnel from the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and private security outfits.

They formed a protective shield around key political figures, including Atiku, Amaechi, and Peter Obi, to prevent the situation from escalating further.

For several minutes, tension hung heavy in the air as appeals were made to de-escalate the crisis.

Order was eventually restored when Mustapha Lamido, son of former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, was accepted by the aggrieved delegates as a suitable voice for the state.

Another delegate was also nominated to accompany him in representing Jigawa’s position at the coalition talks.

This incident highlights the deep-rooted tensions and unresolved power dynamics that continue to challenge attempts at forging a united political front in Nigeria.

The coalition, which is viewed by many as a potential precursor to a broader political alliance ahead of the 2027 elections, faces significant hurdles as it seeks to balance competing interests.

Observers believe the chaotic scenes reflect lingering mistrust between different political blocs and state-level actors within the coalition.

While calm returned to the gathering, political analysts have warned that similar disruptions could undermine the credibility and sustainability of the coalition if not addressed promptly.

The North-led National Political Consultative Group is pushing for greater unity among opposition voices, but intra-regional disputes such as this threaten to derail the initiative.

With key opposition leaders like Atiku and Obi already positioning themselves for the next political cycle, events like these raise serious concerns about cohesion and consensus within the opposition camp.

Despite the challenges, organizers say the coalition talks will continue, and efforts will be made to ensure all states and interests are adequately represented.

Security around future meetings is also expected to be tightened to prevent similar incidents from recurring.

For now, the spotlight remains on the ability of this coalition to overcome its internal challenges and present a unified front that can shape Nigeria’s political future.

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