The camp of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has strongly refuted allegations of manipulation in the party's presidential primary made by Babachir Lawal, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). Lawal had accused Atiku and his allies of vote-rigging and manipulation ahead of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria.
In a statement issued by Atiku's Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the camp described Lawal's accusations as unsubstantiated and politically motivated. Shaibu maintained that the ADC presidential primary was transparent and reflected the true will of party members across the country.
No Evidence Presented
Shaibu noted that Lawal had failed to provide any credible evidence to support his claims. He stated, "The truth is straightforward. The ADC presidential primaries were conducted across thousands of wards and produced a clear and decisive outcome. What Mr Lawal has offered Nigerians is not evidence. He has produced no documents, no verifiable facts, no credible witnesses, and no proof whatsoever to support his sensational allegations."
Lawal's Selective Acceptance
The Atiku camp pointed out that Lawal only raised objections when the outcome did not favor his preferred candidate. They highlighted that Lawal accepted the results of related contests within the party structure, such as the governorship primary in Adamawa State, where his cousin, Omar Suleiman, emerged as the ADC candidate. Shaibu questioned, "Nigerians are entitled to ask whether the process was only credible when it favoured his family and only rigged when it produced a presidential candidate he did not support."
Shaibu also reminded Lawal of his removal as SGF in 2017 over allegations linked to the "grass-cutting scandal." He further criticized Lawal for moving from "grass-cutting fields to rigging fantasies."
Atiku vs. Wike
Meanwhile, Atiku also responded to comments by Nyesom Wike, who had claimed that the ADC's leadership structure favored Atiku in the presidential primary over former Governor Rotimi Amaechi. Atiku emphasized the independent mindset of Rivers voters and pointed to growing opposition strength amid rising national concerns over economic issues.
Wike had criticized Amaechi's decision to join the ADC, predicting his downfall from the start. Atiku won the ADC primary decisively, leaving Amaechi far behind in votes.
