As preparations for the 2027 presidential election intensify, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, ex-Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and other coalition leaders have begun seeking the backing of influential northern leaders to challenge President Bola Tinubu.
The closed-door meeting, held on Sunday at the Abuja Continental Hotel, was convened by the National Political Consultative Group (North).
It comes weeks after Atiku, Obi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and others formed a coalition aimed at presenting a united opposition front in 2027.
The gathering drew prominent figures, including former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, PDP Board of Trustees Chairman Adolphus Wabara, former Attorney General Abubakar Malami (SAN), CUPP National Secretary Peter Ahmeh, Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, and Obi’s 2023 running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed.
The meeting ran from about 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. without public statements from the conveners.
However, sources revealed that discussions centered on the state of the nation, insecurity, economic hardship, and calls for capable leadership to restore national unity.
Tensions flared mid-meeting when delegates from Jigawa State disrupted proceedings.
The unrest followed an attempt by Babachir Lawal to nominate a delegate to speak on behalf of the state.
Protesters stormed the stage, objecting to the choice and insisting on choosing their own representative.
Security personnel swiftly shielded key figures including Atiku and Amaechi.
Order was restored when Mustapha Lamido, son of former Governor Sule Lamido, and another delegate were selected to represent the state.
A source present at the meeting, who spoke anonymously, said northern leaders voiced strong concerns over rising poverty, hunger, and insecurity under Tinubu’s administration. According to the source, Obi and Amaechi criticized Tinubu’s economic policies, claiming they have worsened conditions in the North.
They urged regional leaders to unite and support the emerging coalition as a credible alternative.
Atiku and Malami echoed these sentiments, calling for collective action to unseat Tinubu and address the nation’s challenges.
Delegates reportedly agreed to establish four committees to further evaluate key issues and develop a strategic plan. A communique from the meeting is expected to be released today.