By Oso Abidemi
A high-level meeting of opposition figures in Abuja ended in chaos on Sunday when delegates disrupted proceedings in dramatic fashion.
The event, convened at the Abuja Continental Hotel, brought together former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, ex-Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, among others, in a bid to forge a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Tensions boiled over when Lawal named a delegate to speak for Jigawa State.
The announcement sparked outrage, with other Jigawa delegates storming the podium in protest, insisting that the speaker did not represent them.
A viral video captured the moment the hall turned rowdy, with shouting matches and jostling as delegates clashed over the disputed representation.
It took the swift intervention of police officers and Department of State Services (DSS), operatives to de-escalate the situation and secure the safety of the prominent attendees.
After calm was restored, Mustapha Lamido, son of former Jigawa governor Sule Lamido, along with another delegate, were eventually selected to speak on behalf of the state.
The incident underscores the fragility of unity talks among opposition camps ahead of the 2027 general elections.
