Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has stated that Northern Nigeria remains crucial to addressing the country’s long-standing challenges.
He urged the region’s leaders to take decisive steps toward driving national development.
Obi made this remark during a strategic engagement with Northern stakeholders under the National Political Consultative Group held in Abuja.
He described the North as “Nigeria’s greatest untapped asset,” emphasizing that its role is central to the country’s recovery from insecurity and economic hardship.
“The region has suffered deeply, not because of religion or culture, but due to systemic poverty. You cannot fight poverty without education, and you cannot tackle insecurity without addressing hunger and hopelessness,” he said.
Obi called for a shift in political orientation in the region, stressing the need for leaders to prioritize “competence, character, and a shared national vision” over ethnicity and religion.
The event, which brought together key political figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, also featured a keynote address by former Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.
He aligned with Obi’s views, lamenting the state of security in the North and advocating for a united political front to reverse the decline.
Amid speculation about disorder at the high-level coalition talks held at Abuja Continental Hotel, Jigawa delegate Auwalu Garba clarified that the session remained peaceful.
He explained that a brief disagreement emerged over protocol on state representation but was quickly resolved.
“Only two persons were accredited to speak for Jigawa, but a third person attempted to intervene. This caused a momentary protest, which was promptly settled,” Garba explained. Mustapha Lamido, son of former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido, was later affirmed as an official spokesperson alongside another delegate.
Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has reportedly been selected as the likely platform for the emerging opposition coalition in the lead-up to the 2027 general election.
National Chairman of the ADC, Ralphs Okey Nwosu, noted that coalition discussions were nearing conclusion and would be finalized within one or two weeks. He added that consultations extended beyond political figures to include civil society and citizens’ groups.
“Sixteen months ago, ADC began this journey to build a patriotic coalition. The country is at a point where we either face a citizens’ revolt or form a coalition of patriots,” Nwosu stated.