A high-stakes political coalition meeting in Abuja took an unexpected turn when tensions flared over delegate representation for Jigawa State, momentarily throwing the gathering into disarray.
The event, hosted by the National Political Consultative Group (North) at the Abuja Continental Hotel, brought together prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and ex-Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.
However, the atmosphere shifted abruptly following a contentious announcement by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, who introduced a delegate to represent Jigawa State.
The declaration was met with stiff opposition, as disgruntled Jigawa delegates stormed the stage in protest.
They blocked the proposed speaker, asserting emphatically that “they would not be represented by those named.”
The disruption prompted an immediate response from security operatives, including members of the Nigerian Police, Department of State Services and private security, who swiftly encircled key figures such as Atiku, Amaechi, and others to ensure their safety.
After minutes of heated exchanges and appeals for calm, a resolution was reached.
Mustapha Lamido, son of former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, was selected alongside another delegate to speak for the state, restoring order to the proceedings.