Tensions flared when delegates from Jigawa State clashed over who should represent them at the high-level talks.

What was intended to be a strategic meeting to forge a united opposition against President Bola Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC) government spiralled into chaos on Sunday.

Tensions flared when delegates from Jigawa State clashed over who should represent them at the high-level talks.

The disruption began after former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, announced a delegate to speak on behalf of the state.

In a swift and angry response, several Jigawa delegates stormed the stage, blocking the nominated speaker and vehemently rejecting the individual as their representative. The altercation brought the meeting to an abrupt halt and underscored the internal divisions within the opposition ranks.

The disruption occurred in the presence of key opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and other influential political figures.

The gathering was part of ongoing efforts to build a broad-based coalition capable of challenging and unseating President Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

The meeting was part of sustained efforts to build a broad-based coalition with the aim of unseating President Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

Atiku earlier confirmed the meeting in a post on his social media platforms on Sunday, saying, "H.E. Peter Obi and I just arrived at the Abuja Continental Hotel for the National Political Consultative Group (North) event.”

Atiku had reportedly offered Peter Obi the vice-presidential slot on a proposed single-term ticket.

According to a recent exclusive report by The PUNCH, this offer, allegedly made during a private meeting in the United Kingdom earlier this year, would see Atiku serve only one term before handing over power 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.

WATCH: Chaos As Jigawa Delegates Disrupt Atiku, Obi, Amaechi's Abuja Coalition Meeting To Unseat Tinubu pic.twitter.com/mcp8rWfjb8

— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) May 25, 2025