Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, had a meeting with northern political leaders from all 19 northern states to discuss coalition talks ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The event, organized by the National Political Consultative Group (NPCG) North, brought together numerous political figures in Abuja, including former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, and former Senate president Adolphus Wabara.
Other dignitaries present at the meeting were the Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, former Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Aminu Wali, and former Minister of Police Affairs Adamu Maina Waziri. The gathering aimed to address the challenges facing northern Nigeria, but some speculate that it was also about strategizing to take power from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. General Aliyu Gusau (rtd) was rumored to be behind the coalition, which adds to the growing number of northern groups emerging in recent months.
During the meeting, Atiku reflected on his time in office with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, highlighting their response to the Boko Haram insurgency and efforts to address police inadequacy. He emphasized the need for more police officers to effectively police the country. On education, Atiku mentioned initiatives to improve access in the North, including passing the Universal Basic Education Act. Peter Obi stressed the importance of solving poverty in the North to reduce insecurity nationwide, calling for increased investment in education and agriculture.
While the meeting addressed critical issues like insecurity and poverty, political scientists questioned the motives behind the gathering, suggesting it may be more symbolic than structurally cohesive. Dr. Abubakar Kari described the meeting as politically significant yet structurally weak, reflecting the disarray among northern elites. Professor Kamilu Sani Fage emphasized the need for a united front in the North to avoid division along religious, ethnic, or partisan lines. The emergence of new political groups ahead of the 2027 elections was seen as a positive development by the Arewa Consultative Forum, with Secretary General Murtala Aminu noting the importance of political activity and citizen engagement.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is set to conclude coalition talks within the next two weeks, with national chairman Dr. Ralphs Okey Nwosu confirming the party as the preferred platform for emerging coalition groups. Salihu Lukman, a key figure behind the coalition effort, emphasized the need for committed individuals willing to make sacrifices for the country’s transformation. The coalition is not yet aligned with any political party, with discussions ongoing to either register a new party or take over an existing one. The coalition’s focus is on building a credible platform that can inspire confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.
In conclusion, the coalition’s efforts to address national challenges and unite political stakeholders have garnered attention and sparked discussions about the future of Nigerian politics. The meeting with northern leaders highlighted the pressing need for collective action to address insecurity, poverty, and illiteracy in the country. As the coalition continues to navigate the political landscape, the focus remains on building a strong foundation for inclusive governance and societal transformation.
