The political landscape in Nigeria is abuzz with activity as key figures begin to strategize and form alliances in anticipation of the 2027 presidential elections. A significant gathering, the National Political Consultative Group (North) meeting, recently took place in Abuja, drawing prominent politicians from across the spectrum, including Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, and Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s candidate in the same election. This meeting signals the potential for future collaborations and realignments within the political arena. While the specific aims of the group remain somewhat ambiguous, it’s widely perceived as a platform for northern political stakeholders to consolidate their influence and prepare for the upcoming electoral cycle.
Atiku Abubakar himself confirmed his and Peter Obi’s attendance at the meeting via a post on X (formerly Twitter), sharing a video of the two exchanging pleasantries with other participants. This public display of camaraderie between two former rivals sparked considerable interest and speculation regarding the nature and purpose of their meeting. The presence of other influential figures like Rotimi Amaechi, Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, Adolphus Wabara, and Baba Chir Lawal further underscores the significance of this gathering and the potential for a reshuffling of political allegiances. The discussions held within this meeting could significantly shape the political landscape in the coming years.
Peter Obi’s address at the meeting provided valuable insights into his perspective on the challenges and potential of Northern Nigeria. He passionately argued that the region’s insecurity is deeply rooted in poverty, creating a cycle of desperation and lawlessness. He emphasized that addressing this poverty is the government’s responsibility and crucial to stabilizing the region. Furthermore, Obi highlighted the immense untapped potential of the North, particularly in agriculture. He believes that with the right investments and policies, the North could become an agricultural powerhouse, surpassing even oil revenue in its contribution to the national economy.
Obi drew comparisons to other countries, emphasizing the irony of Nigeria, with its vast agricultural potential, receiving grain support from Ukraine, a country with a significantly smaller landmass and population. He underscored the need for a shift in focus and investment towards agriculture, lamenting the current state of the sector and urging the government to prioritize policies that support and revitalize it. He also emphasized the importance of education, particularly for children who are currently out of school, including the Almajiri children, whom he sees as possessing immense untapped potential. Obi advocates for bringing education to these children, recognizing their brilliance and potential to become future leaders in various fields.
Obi’s message extended beyond economic and developmental issues. He stressed the urgent need for unity and competence in leadership, urging the audience to prioritize capacity and capability over religious or regional affiliations when choosing their leaders. He called for an end to divisive politics and emphasized the importance of holding the government accountable for its actions. This call for accountability resonated with the audience, who are increasingly concerned about the performance of their elected officials. Obi’s emphasis on competence and unity reflects a growing sentiment among the electorate for a more results-oriented and inclusive approach to governance.
The National Political Consultative Group (North) meeting, though still in its nascent stages, appears to be a critical platform for shaping the political trajectory of Northern Nigeria and, consequently, the entire country. The presence of prominent political figures like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, alongside other influential stakeholders, suggests a move towards broader alliances and a potential realignment of forces in anticipation of the 2027 elections. While the specific outcomes of this meeting remain to be seen, it undoubtedly marks a significant development in the Nigerian political landscape, raising questions about future collaborations and the potential emergence of new political blocs. The discussions around poverty, insecurity, agricultural development, education, and the need for competent leadership are all crucial issues that will likely dominate the political discourse in the coming years.
