Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has resigned from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), accusing the party leadership of manipulating its recent primary elections in favour of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
In a statement released on Monday, Lawal said the party’s presidential and legislative primaries were heavily compromised, alleging that results were altered to ensure victories for Atiku and his political allies.
The ADC recently concluded nationwide direct primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections. Atiku emerged as the party’s presidential candidate after defeating former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.
However, Lawal claimed the process lacked credibility, describing it as a “disgraceful charade.”
According to him, even in areas where voting appeared to take place, declared winners were allegedly replaced with candidates loyal to Atiku’s camp.
“I sense a conspiracy of silence that I do not want to be part of,” Lawal said, adding that many party members appeared willing to overlook what he described as widespread irregularities.
The former SGF also argued that supporting Atiku’s presidential ambition would effectively hand President Bola Tinubu an easy path to re-election in 2027.
Lawal said he would not participate in any political project built on what he considers electoral manipulation, insisting that Atiku lacks the leadership qualities needed to govern Nigeria.
He further vowed to oppose the former vice-president’s presidential bid in the next election cycle.
