…Forge national alliance against Tinubu
A major political realignment may be underway ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, as key figures from both northern and southern Nigeria met behind closed doors in Abuja at the weekend to discuss the country’s worsening socio-economic conditions and strategize on unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The meeting, convened by the National Political Consultative Group (North), was held at the Abuja Continental Hotel and brought together a high-powered mix of political leaders across party lines. Among those present were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, 2023 Labour Party presidential and vice-presidential candidates Peter Obi and Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal.
Also in attendance were Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Adolphus Wabara; National Secretary of the Coalition for United Political Parties (CUPP), Peter Ahmeh; Kashim Ibrahim-Imam; and former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola, who joined virtually.
Sources described the meeting as a pivotal gathering aimed at building a broad-based coalition to challenge President Tinubu’s re-election bid, citing growing concerns over insecurity, poverty and economic hardship, particularly in northern Nigeria. The coalition, first hinted at during a March 20 announcement in Abuja, now appears to be taking a more concrete shape.
According to insiders, the discussions were candid and focused on what many attendees described as a “governance vacuum” under the Tinubu administration. Peter Obi and Amaechi decried the rising poverty and insecurity in the North, blaming failed economic policies for the region’s decline. “It’s unacceptable that a region which once fed the nation is now overwhelmed by hunger and despair”, Obi was quoted as saying.
Atiku Abubakar, in a scathing critique, attributed the security collapse to ineffective leadership, contrasting it with the swift response under the Obasanjo-led government to early threats like Boko Haram. He emphasized that Nigeria needs “decisive and competent governance,” not “endorsements and politicking two years before an election”.
Delivering the keynote address, Abubakar Malami condemned the Tinubu government’s abrupt removal of fuel subsidies and poorly planned border policies, which he said had crippled agriculture and deepened the North’s economic woes. He described the recent APC National Summit’s endorsement of Tinubu for a second term as “tone-deaf,” arguing it ignored the pain of ordinary Nigerians.
However, the meeting was not without drama. Tensions flared when a delegation from Jigawa State disrupted proceedings, objecting to the individual selected to speak on their behalf. Security personnel quickly intervened to de-escalate the situation and protect key attendees, including Atiku and Amaechi. Calm was eventually restored after Mustapha Lamiɗo, son of former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamiɗo, was chosen to represent the State.
Participants agreed to set up four technical committees to address key issues raised during the session, including insecurity, economic revival, coalition coordination, and grassroots mobilisation. A communiqué outlining the resolutions is expected to be released shortly.
Speaking to reporters afterward, CUPP Secretary, Peter Ahmeh described the meeting as a “consultative session” aimed at reviewing the state of the nation and crafting solutions. “The economic and security crises are worsening under this administration. The North, and indeed Nigeria, must unite behind a credible alternative”, he stated.
As momentum builds, insiders say this emerging coalition seeks to present a consensus candidate in 2027, cutting across regional, religious, and party lines – a direct challenge to the ruling APC’s dominance.
While no formal declarations were made on candidacies, Babachir Lawal and other senior figures are reportedly spearheading efforts to expand the coalition, bringing together disillusioned voices from all corners of the political spectrum.
