Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has intensified his campaign against the African Democratic Congress’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, urging the party to replace him ahead of the 2027 elections.
Lawal, who recently resigned from the ADC, alleged the party’s presidential primary was rigged in Atiku’s favour. In a Facebook post titled “Kachalla 2,” he claimed Atiku lacks the capacity to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming election. He warned the ADC that fielding Atiku would guarantee defeat before the Independent National Electoral Commission’s timetable expires.
The former SGF also defended himself against the 2017 “grass-cutting” scandal, calling it a politically motivated setup. He insisted the N7.2 million contract was competitively awarded to a company he once owned, without his direct involvement. Lawal maintained the project involved clearing 320 kilometres of the Komadugu-Yobe River, restoring irrigation, and employing over 1,000 displaced persons—efforts he said were certified by government authorities.
Lawal further questioned Atiku’s silence on insecurity, accusing him of failing to condemn banditry and ethnic violence. He also criticised Atiku’s business record, alleging mismanagement of associated companies and deteriorating infrastructure at his university. Former Minister of Sports Solomon Dalung echoed concerns, stating the ADC’s primary that produced Atiku fell short of democratic standards.
Atiku’s camp has yet to respond to the allegations. The ADC faces mounting pressure to reconsider its candidate as the 2027 election cycle gains momentum.
