By Mohammed Bello Doka
Abuja, May 26, 2025 – What began as a strategic convergence of political minds at the Abuja Continental Hotel on May 25 quickly spiraled into controversy, as delegates from Jigawa State clashed over representation at the high-level National Political Consultative Group (North) meeting. The incident, which momentarily disrupted proceedings attended by national political figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, laid bare the intense jostling for relevance within Nigeria’s evolving political landscape—driven by what many insiders now describe as a classic case of FOMO: Fear of Missing Out.
Tensions flared when Babachir Lawal, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the meeting’s chairman, announced Mustapha Lamido—son of former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido—as the designated speaker for Jigawa State. The declaration was met with immediate uproar. A faction of Jigawa delegates stormed the stage and physically blocked Mustapha from speaking, arguing that the former deputy governor—who once served as Sule Lamido’s deputy—was the rightful representative of the state.
The protesting delegates accused Mustapha Lamido and his father of not being original members of the coalition, claiming they had previously worked against its interest in Jigawa. “They’re only here now because the coalition is gaining ground,” a delegate remarked, adding that their sudden alignment was viewed with suspicion. According to sources close to the delegation, Mustapha and his team were joining the coalition for the first time, and many delegates felt it would be inappropriate for him to assume a leadership voice.
The situation was further complicated by internal miscommunication. Babachir Lawal, acting on submitted names from state delegates, merely read what had been provided—unaware of the underlying tensions and competing nominations within the Jigawa bloc. While a smaller faction had pushed for Mustapha Lamido’s nomination, the majority aligned with the former deputy governor and opposed the announcement.
In a gesture of humility and in an effort to de-escalate the situation, Mustapha Lamido publicly apologized to the former deputy governor—his father’s former deputy. The two later embraced and pledged to work together in the interest of unity and the coalition’s broader goals of tackling insecurity, poverty, and governance reforms.
Security operatives from the Nigeria Police, DSS, and private guards quickly surrounded key participants, preventing further escalation. Elder statesmen in the room also intervened, brokering a compromise whereby both Mustapha Lamido and the former deputy governor would represent Jigawa jointly.
Observers say the conflict was less about personal grudges and more about political anxiety—a scramble for visibility and influence in anticipation of the 2027 general elections. The fear of being excluded from the decision-making table, especially within a coalition poised to challenge the status quo, fueled the drama that unfolded.
While the incident exposed fault lines, it also offered valuable lessons in consensus-building. Babachir Lawal, whose role was purely administrative in announcing state submissions, bears no blame for the incident. Rather, it underscores the need for clearer internal coordination among delegates before arriving at such high-profile meetings.
As the dust settled and the coalition continued its deliberations, the reconciliation between the two factions signaled hope. But with the 2027 elections fast approaching, the fear of missing out remains a potent force within political circles—one that could either inspire collaboration or deepen divisions. For the National Political Consultative Group (North), the challenge now lies in converting moments of friction into enduring political strength.