ABUJA, Nigeria — An opposition coalition meeting held on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at the Abuja Continental Hotel ended in disarray.
The high-profile gathering included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal.
The session, reportedly convened to forge a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections, was disrupted after Lawal named a delegate to speak for Jigawa State—prompting immediate protests from other Jigawa delegates.
Footage circulating on social media shows shouting matches and a surge of angry delegates surrounding the podium.
Order was eventually restored by police and Department of State Services (DSS) operatives, who also shielded key figures from the disruption.
Mustapha Lamido, son of former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido, was later chosen to represent the state alongside another delegate after negotiations.
The incident underscores the ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s fragmented opposition landscape.
Efforts to form a united coalition against the APC have so far been marred by rivalries, regional disagreements, and unresolved leadership claims.
Observers say the opposition’s internal instability, coupled with crises in major parties like the PDP, could significantly impact the effectiveness of any anti-APC coalition in the run-up to the 2027 general elections.
