posted 25th May 2025
Opposition Figures Attend National Political Consultative Group (North) Meeting in Abuja
Abuja, Nigeria – On Sunday, 25 May 2025, a significant gathering of Nigerian opposition leaders took place at the Abuja Continental Hotel for the National Political Consultative Group (North) meeting. The high-profile event saw the attendance of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and other notable political figures, including Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, Senator Adolphus Wabara, and Kashim Ibrahim-Imam. The meeting has sparked widespread speculation about a potential coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
The event, described as a strategic consultation among northern political stakeholders, was marked by intense discussions on forming a unified opposition front. Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in 2023, announced his arrival at the venue via a post on X, stating, “H.E. Peter Obi and I just arrived at the Abuja Continental Hotel for the National Political Consultative Group (North) event.” Peter Obi, in a video circulating on X, emphasised the pivotal role of the North in Nigeria’s political landscape, saying, “I have always said the North can change Nigeria. The greatest asset of this country is in the North.”
However, the meeting was not without controversy. Reports indicate that the gathering descended into chaos when delegates from Jigawa State stormed the venue, protesting issues related to representation. This disruption underscored the challenges of forging a cohesive alliance among diverse political factions.
Speculation about a possible Atiku-Obi ticket for 2027 has gained traction, with some sources suggesting that Atiku may have selected Obi as his running mate. However, Obi has publicly stated his intention to contest the election under the Labour Party, casting uncertainty over the coalition’s platform. Posts on X reflect mixed sentiments, with some users expressing scepticism about the alliance’s viability, while others view it as a formidable challenge to Tinubu’s administration. One user noted, “Atiku, Obi, Amaechi, and others in one room? This is either a game-changer or a recipe for chaos,” capturing the polarized public reaction.
The presence of Rotimi Amaechi, a former APC stalwart, alongside other figures like former Attorney General Abubakar Malami and PDP Board of Trustees Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, highlights the meeting’s broad political spectrum. Analysts suggest that the National Political Consultative Group (North) is exploring a coalition to consolidate opposition votes, particularly in the northern region, which holds significant electoral influence.
While the exact objectives of the group remain unclear, the meeting signals a critical moment in Nigeria’s political landscape as opposition leaders strategize ahead of 2027.
