Former Vice President of Nigeria and Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has condemned what he described as divisive and ethnically charged rhetoric by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal. In a statement issued on Sunday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku expressed disappointment that a statesman of Babachir's standing would abandon facts and reason in favour of ethnic profiling, prejudice, and conspiracy theories in a bid to discredit a political opponent.
According to Atiku, despite the weight of the allegations contained in Babachir's public attacks, no credible evidence was presented to support them. "Rather than engage in fact-based discourse, Mr. Lawal invited Nigerians to substitute suspicion for proof and emotion for facts," the statement said.
The former Vice President noted that while criticism remains a legitimate part of democratic engagement, attempts to associate an entire ethnic group with criminality were dangerous, irresponsible, and capable of deepening national divisions. "It is reckless to suggest that millions of Nigerians should be judged by the actions of a few criminal elements simply because they share the same ethnic background. By that logic, every ethnic group in Nigeria could be collectively blamed for the crimes committed by a handful of individuals within their communities. Such thinking has never strengthened nations; it has only fuelled distrust and division," Atiku stated.
He also pointed to what he described as a contradiction in Babachir's position, reminding Nigerians that it was former President Muhammadu Buhari — a Fulani man — who appointed him to the highest office he occupied in public service as Secretary to the Government of the Federation. "At no point did Mr. Lawal reject the trust, privilege, and influence that came with serving under a Fulani President. It is therefore ironic that he now seeks to stigmatise an entire ethnic group simply because another Fulani man seeks the presidency through democratic means," he said.
Atiku further questioned the inconsistency between Babachir's attacks and his simultaneous claims of political relevance. "On the same day he launched his lengthy attack on Atiku Abubakar, he was also granting interviews boasting that several governors wanted him back in the APC. Nigerians are entitled to ask: which Babachir should they believe? The one portraying himself as a victim of political conspiracies, or the one proudly advertising his political value to governors?" he queried.
According to Atiku, such contradictions reveal a man struggling to reconcile personal disappointment with political reality. "If Mr. Lawal wishes to return to the APC, he is entirely free to do so. What he cannot do is cloak personal political calculations in the language of patriotism while expecting Nigerians not to notice the inconsistency," he added.
The former Vice President also rejected claims that he had been indifferent to victims of violence and insecurity across the country. He noted that throughout his public life, he has consistently condemned terrorism, banditry, kidnappings, communal violence, and attacks on both Christian and Muslim communities. Recalling the attacks on Kagoro in Southern Kaduna, Atiku said he did not ask whether the victims were Christians or Muslims, northerners or southerners, Fulani or non-Fulani before standing in solidarity with them. "Leadership is not about counting tribes or measuring faith. It is about standing with people in moments of pain regardless of ethnicity or religion. That has always been my approach and it will continue to be," he stated.
Atiku also highlighted his investments in education and human development, citing scholarships facilitated for some of the released Chibok schoolgirls at the American University of Nigeria following their abduction by terrorists. According to him, several of the beneficiaries have since graduated and rebuilt their lives through education and empowerment. "Those young women are living proof that compassion is more powerful than bitterness and that nation-building requires action, not merely rhetoric," he added.
The former Vice President further defended his record as an entrepreneur and investor, noting that his investments across multiple sectors have created jobs, expanded educational opportunities, and contributed significantly to national development. "The American University of Nigeria remains a visible testament to what private initiative and vision can achieve. Thousands of graduates and their families are beneficiaries of that vision, and no amount of political bitterness can erase those contributions," he said.
Atiku described the tone and substance of Babachir's recent comments as reflective of deep resentment and anger rather than statesmanship. "His public utterances increasingly reflect grievance instead of evidence and hostility instead of reason. Politics should not reduce a man to a permanent state of outrage," the statement said.
He advised Babachir to move away from what he termed "the politics of hate" and embrace reflection, reconciliation, and constructive engagement. According to Atiku, Nigeria's future cannot be built on ethnic suspicion, religious division, fear, or inherited prejudice, but on practical solutions to insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment, educational decline, and poverty. He urged political actors to elevate public discourse by focusing on policies, ideas, and solutions rather than ethnic stereotyping and personal attacks.
"Nigeria deserves a conversation about the future, not endless bitterness about the past. Our people deserve leaders who unite rather than divide, heal rather than inflame, and build rather than destroy. Babachir may see tribe. I see Nigerians. Babachir may see division. I see a nation that must come together if it is to overcome its present challenges. That is the difference between politics driven by resentment and leadership driven by purpose," Atiku stated.
The former Vice President reaffirmed his commitment to building a Nigeria where every citizen — regardless of ethnicity, religion, region, or social background — enjoys equal opportunity, equal protection, and equal dignity under the law.
