Abuja, Nigeria – On May 25, 2025, the Abuja Continental Hotel became the epicenter of a significant political convergence as the National Political Consultative Group (North) convened to deliberate on a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections. At the forefront of this high-level engagement was Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, whose reformist vision for Nigeria struck a powerful chord with northern political stakeholders.
The meeting was a calculated move by the opposition to galvanize collective strength and chart a strategic path forward. Obi, the former governor of Anambra State, was received with notable enthusiasm by a broad coalition of influential leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, PDP Board of Trustees Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, former Minister of Information Prof. Jerry Gana, former Cross River Governor Donald Duke, political strategist Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, Obi’s 2023 running mate Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami (SAN), and a representative of former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola. Their presence underscored the growing consensus on the need for a cohesive and effective opposition.
Obi’s remarks during the meeting captivated the audience, as he spotlighted the North’s vast potential as a catalyst for national transformation. “The greatest asset of this country is the North,” he said, highlighting its agricultural capacity and demographic strength. He expressed concern over Nigeria’s poor rice production output—producing less than 10% of Bangladesh’s volume—and advocated for strategic investments in education, agriculture, and poverty alleviation. Drawing a link between poverty and insecurity, Obi asserted that “banditry thrives where hunger prevails,” calling for a development-driven approach to combating the nation’s security crisis.
The gathering was focused on forging a formidable opposition alliance. Leaders deliberated on the deepening economic and security crises in the country, attributing them to the policies of the Bola Tinubu administration. In response, two strategic committees were established: one chaired by Rotimi Amaechi to explore the formation of a new political party, and another chaired by former Cross River Governor Liyel Imoke, with Dr. Umar Ardo as secretary, to consider merging with an existing political platform. While no conclusive decisions were made, the resolve to present a united political force was unmistakable.
The prospect of a potential Atiku-Obi presidential ticket in 2027 generated considerable speculation, following reports of previous discussions in the United Kingdom where Atiku was said to have proposed Obi as his running mate. While Obi reportedly requested time to consult his supporters, the strong reception he received in Abuja suggests that northern stakeholders view him as a central figure in any future coalition.
Online discourse reflected this momentum, with platforms like X (formerly Twitter) abuzz with reactions. Users such as @NjenjeMedia highlighted Obi’s bold critique of the ruling APC, while commentators like @DokunOjomo praised his vision for a North-driven national renaissance.
As the curtain fell on the meeting, one thing became clear: the North is not merely extending a welcome to Peter Obi—it is positioning him as a viable leader for a revitalized opposition. With the 2027 elections approaching, this strategic assembly could signal a turning point in Nigeria’s political landscape, as the opposition mobilizes to challenge the status quo and redefine the nation's future.