Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has resigned from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and strongly criticized the party's presidential primary that produced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its flagbearer for the 2027 general elections.
Lawal's Allegations of Rigging
In a statement released on Monday, Lawal alleged that the primary election was marred by widespread rigging to favor Atiku. He claimed that results were manipulated or outright fabricated to ensure Atiku's victory. Lawal stated that he is leaving the ADC because he refuses to be part of what he called Atiku's rigging machinery for the 2027 elections.
“The man and his cabal are just irredentist Fulani and religious hegemonists. For me, working for Kachalla Atiku means giving Tinubu an automatic ticket to a second term, which gives me nightmares. I believe Tinubu might, comparatively speaking, end up a better Nigerian president than Kachalla Atiku could ever be (as bad as Tinubu currently is and possibly could ever be). The choice in 2027, it seems, will be a Morton’s fork,” the former SGF said.
Personal and Political Criticisms
Lawal further criticized Atiku's personal life and business acumen, referencing his multiple wives and children. He expressed concern that a victory for Atiku could lead to a proliferation of political dynasties similar to those he alleged exist under President Bola Tinubu. “For, with close to 25 adult children, six wives (past and present, some offshore) and a heavily shrunk decapitated business empire, I foresee 25 Seyi Tinubus and six Remi Tinubus; a prospect that has been keeping me awake all night with worry. And who knows which Chagouri’s might be lurking around the corner waiting for an Atiku bazaar?”
Lawal also took aim at Northern supporters of Atiku, arguing that they should seek a leader who can address poverty and insecurity rather than a candidate he described as an “ineptocrat.” He lamented that the North seems destined to harm itself by backing such a candidate.
Prediction of Defeat
Despite his criticisms, Lawal predicted that Atiku would be defeated by what he alleged is President Tinubu's superior rigging machine. “While I will be tweaking my plans for the future and consulting with like-minded colleagues on how to stop this incompetent octogenerian from coming close to the presidential office, I will, in the meantime, retire to my village farm from where I will be watching Kachalla Atiku and his band of wicked vote riggers and result manipulators mercilessly out-rigged and beaten to pulp by Tinubu’s ruthless and superior rigging machine. Then, it will be bye-bye to this octogenarian presidential wannabe. It will be bye-bye to the North for preferring a religious hegemonist over a competent world-renowned economist and corporate guru,” he said.
