Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir Lawal has declared that backing Atiku Abubakar would weaken the opposition's ability to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. Lawal made this assertion while explaining his decision to exit the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following Atiku's emergence as the party's candidate.
The Adamawa-born politician announced his resignation from the ADC on Monday, stating that his move was not solely due to allegations that the party's presidential primary was manipulated in favor of the former vice president. In a statement on his verified Facebook page, Lawal launched a scathing attack on Atiku, questioning both the integrity of the primary process and the suitability of the ADC candidate to lead Nigeria.
Allegations of Rigged Primaries
Lawal claimed that the ADC's just-concluded primaries were massively rigged at all levels to favor Kachalla Abubakar Atiku. He alleged that election results were altered to benefit Atiku and his allies, with successful candidates replaced by loyalists even where voting occurred. For Lawal, remaining in the party would mean endorsing a flawed political process.
Why Lawal Opposes Atiku
Beyond the primary conduct, Lawal dedicated significant portions of his statement to explaining why he believes Atiku should not become Nigeria's next president. He repeatedly referred to the former vice president as Kachalla, a term that in some northern communities denotes leaders but has also been linked to bandit commanders in recent years. Speaking later on Channels Television, Lawal defended his usage, saying it was commonly employed by people in rural areas to address their leaders and that, as a Fulani man, Atiku should not find it unusual.
Lawal argued that supporting the ADC flagbearer would ultimately benefit President Tinubu's re-election bid. He stated, For me, working for Kachalla Atiku means giving Tinubu an automatic ticket to a second term, which gives me nightmares. He added, 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.
Criticism of Atiku's Support Base
Lawal also accused some of Atiku's supporters of promoting ethnic and religious interests. He claimed that certain groups celebrated Atiku's emergence along ethnic lines and alleged that his political circle is dominated by what he described as irredentist Fulani and religious hegemonists. Furthermore, Lawal questioned Atiku's commitment to addressing Nigeria's security challenges, asserting that the former vice president has failed to strongly or publicly condemn the escalating kidnappings and killings in parts of northern Nigeria.
These remarks mark a significant escalation in the rift between Lawal and the ADC presidential candidate, exposing fresh tensions within opposition coalitions ahead of the 2027 election.
The 2027 Morton's Fork
Explaining his opposition, Lawal described the political situation facing opposition supporters as a Morton's Fork, a dilemma where all available options are undesirable. He argued that forcing opposition supporters to rally behind Atiku could alienate crucial voter blocs, divide the coalition, and ultimately strengthen President Tinubu's chances of securing a second term. Many voters who oppose the current administration may still be unwilling to support an Atiku candidacy, a situation that could weaken the opposition's electoral prospects, he said.
Reactions from Allies and the Presidency
Lawal's comments have drawn reactions from political allies, opponents, and the presidency. Speaking on Channels Television, publisher and opposition figure Dele Momodu dismissed the allegations and defended the ADC convention, arguing that political actors have the right to leave parties but maintaining that the convention reflected the wishes of party members. He also rejected suggestions that Atiku's emergence was ethnically driven.
The presidency seized on Lawal's remarks to question Atiku's candidacy. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, wrote on social media that Lawal's criticism should serve as a warning to the ADC candidate. He stated, We have not fired any bullet against veteran presidential runner and northern hegemonic Abubakar Atiku yet. But a close ally just destroyed Atiku in many unflattering words.
Meanwhile, the Atiku Media Office rejected Lawal's allegations, maintaining that the ADC presidential primary was conducted transparently. The office argued that Lawal's claims reflected dissatisfaction with the outcome and insisted that party members should focus on strengthening opposition unity ahead of 2027.
Background of Lawal's Political Moves
Lawal's departure marks another turn in a political career that has seen him shift across various platforms. He served as SGF under former President Muhammadu Buhari before leaving in 2017 amid controversies surrounding the Presidential Initiative on the North-East (PINE). After becoming an outspoken critic of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Tinubu administration, he formally resigned from the APC in June 2025.
Ahead of the 2027 election cycle, Lawal joined other opposition figures, including Atiku, former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, in a coalition that adopted the ADC as its platform. Before the primary, Lawal had publicly stated that coalition members would support whoever emerged as the party's candidate. However, the May 25 primary has exposed divisions within the alliance. While both Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen raised concerns about the exercise, Hayatu-Deen later indicated he would not pursue a formal challenge.
Lawal said he intends to return to his farm while consulting political associates on his next move, leaving questions about his future role in the opposition ahead of the 2027 election.
