Atiku’s northern ticket bid faces pushback amid opposition rifts
Fresh political realignments are shaking up Nigeria’s opposition as debates over zoning and presidential ambitions intensify. Atiku Abubakar’s push for a northern presidential candidate is reportedly meeting resistance from those who favour power rotation to the South. Meanwhile, Rabiu Kwankwaso has explained why northern stakeholders accepted Peter Obi as an ally in the coalition. Security and economic issues are also making headlines, with new warnings about ISIS and talks of a major World Bank loan.
What we know
- Atiku Abubakar’s campaign for a northern presidential ticket is causing divisions within the opposition coalition, with some members insisting on power rotation to the South.
- Rabiu Kwankwaso stated that northern politicians accepted Peter Obi as the “most capable ally” to strengthen the opposition alliance.
- The Federal Government is in discussions with the World Bank for a new $1.25bn loan to support economic and development programmes.
- The United States has warned that ISIS is shifting its operations to West Africa and the Lake Chad Basin, raising fresh security concerns.
- An Islamic cleric claimed that coup plot suspects sought spiritual protection before their arrests.
