A coalition meeting involving key Nigerian political figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi was temporarily thrown into disarray due to a dispute over representation from Jigawa State.
The meeting, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel and organized by the National Political Consultative Group (North), was intended to foster dialogue among opposition figures and influential stakeholders. However, tension flared when Babachir Lawal, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, introduced a delegate to represent Jigawa State.
The move was met with strong resistance from several attendees from Jigawa, who vehemently rejected the individual chosen to speak on their behalf. In a dramatic turn, they stormed the stage, preventing the named delegate from proceeding and demanding the right to select their own representative.
The situation quickly escalated, prompting security operatives including the Nigerian Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and private security guards to step in. They swiftly surrounded key political figures, including Atiku and Amaechi, to ensure their safety.
After several tense minutes and multiple appeals for calm, peace was eventually restored. A compromise was reached, and Mustapha Sule Lamido, the son of former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, along with another delegate, was agreed upon to represent the state at the session.
The disruption highlights ongoing concerns within political coalitions about equitable representation and internal unity, especially as parties and power blocs reposition themselves ahead of future national elections.
In a related development, Dr. Sam Amadi, former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), publicly criticized Atiku Abubakar’s political demeanor, advising him to adopt a more grounded approach. Speaking through his verified account on the social platform X, Amadi urged Atiku to shed what he described as a “monarchical” style of leadership.
Amadi, who also serves as Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, suggested that Atiku should model the accessibility and relatability shown by Peter Obi of the Labour Party.
According to him, “Nigeria is not an emirate or a kingdom. Political leaders must behave more like professionals or business executives, not traditional rulers.” He acknowledged that while Atiku remains a viable candidate for the presidency, he needs to adjust his public posture to better connect with everyday Nigerians.
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