Rift in the Ranks: Jigawa Delegates Derail Coalition Meeting Against Tinubu

What was intended to be a high-level strategy session to build a united opposition front against President Bola Tinubu’s administration descended into disarray on Sunday, following a dramatic altercation involving delegates from Jigawa State.

The closed-door meeting, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, brought together some of the country’s most prominent opposition figures—including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi. The gathering was part of ongoing efforts to form a broad-based coalition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.

However, tensions erupted when former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, announced a delegate to speak on behalf of Jigawa State. Several other Jigawa delegates immediately protested the nomination, storming the stage and blocking the appointed speaker. The angry confrontation forced an abrupt halt to the meeting, exposing deep fractures within the coalition’s regional representation.

The incident occurred in full view of the opposition heavyweights, casting a shadow over the coalition’s unity and strategic planning. The chaos raised questions about the level of coordination among the various factions seeking to mount a credible challenge to President Tinubu.

Atiku Abubakar had earlier confirmed his participation in the event via a social media post, stating, “H.E. Peter Obi and I just arrived at the Abuja Continental Hotel for the National Political Consultative Group (North) event.”

Reports suggest the coalition-building efforts include a significant proposal by Atiku to offer Peter Obi the vice-presidential slot on a single-term ticket. According to an exclusive report by *The PUNCH*, the idea was floated during a private meeting in the United Kingdom earlier this year, with Atiku proposing to serve only one term before handing over to Obi.

“Atiku and Obi met earlier this year in the UK. That was where Atiku first proposed the coalition and urged Obi to be his running mate. Obi requested time to consult with his core loyalists,” a source told the newspaper.