Presidential candidate for the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has asserted that Northern Nigeria is pivotal in addressing the nation’s most profound challenges, urging leaders from the region to undertake decisive actions aimed at fostering national transformation.
In contrast to media narratives indicating that the high-level coalition meeting at the Abuja Continental Hotel concluded in disarray, a delegate from Jigawa State, Auwalu Garba, has affirmed that the assembly was predominantly orderly.
Additionally, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralphs Okey Nwosu, mentioned that discussions regarding the proposed opposition coalition would be finalized within the next week or two.
During a strategic meeting with Northern political stakeholders under the National Political Consultative Group, Obi characterized the North not as a challenge, but as “Nigeria’s greatest untapped asset.”
The information was included in a statement signed by Ibrahim Umar, the spokesperson for Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR), which was provided to news outlets yesterday.
In his address to a notable audience that featured former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Obi asserted that the region’s challenges with insecurity and increasing criminal activity stem from profound, systemic poverty rather than cultural or religious factors.
“You cannot fight poverty without education, And you cannot fight insecurity without addressing hunger and hopelessness,” Obi stated.
“The North has voted for religion and tribe in the past. Now is the time to vote for competence, character, and a shared national vision.”
In his keynote address, Abubakar Malami, the former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, reiterated Obi’s concerns, expressing dismay over the declining security framework in the North and underscoring the critical need for establishing a cohesive platform to rescue the region from its downward trajectory.
Nevertheless, Garba asserted that there was no disruption in the proceedings attributed to the Jigawa delegation.
He clarified that the issue that emerged was strictly procedural, relating to the protocol regarding who was authorized to speak on behalf of Jigawa. He elaborated that two individuals had been officially appointed to address the assembly, but a third individual attempted to interject without adhering to the established protocol, which led to some brief objections.
Garba remarked that the situation was promptly addressed following appeals from various stakeholders. In the end, Mustapha Lamido, the son of the former Jigawa governor, along with another accredited delegate, were confirmed as the official representatives for the state.
Reports indicate that the ADC has been selected as the platform through which the coalition will contest the presidential election in 2027.
Nwosu revealed that several committees established by the party have engaged with those participating in the discussions.
He mentioned that a concluding meeting involving civil society and citizens’ groups, along with key stakeholders, will be convened to finalize the decision.
“ADC started a process 16 months ago, and what we have been doing is ensuring that, beyond all the political talks among political leaders, we needed to touch the grassroots, because the situation in the country will either one day call for a citizens’ revolt or a patriots’ coalition,” Nwosu said.
He stressed that the ADC was well regarded by well-meaning Nigerians and patriots as a viable coalition platform.
