Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal, has formally resigned his membership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing concerns over the party’s internal democratic processes and raising allegations of undue influence in its recent primary elections.
Lawal’s departure from the opposition party adds a new dimension to Nigeria’s evolving political landscape as political actors intensify preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections. His resignation has already generated debate among political stakeholders regarding transparency, leadership, and internal democracy within opposition movements seeking to challenge the ruling establishment.
In a statement announcing his exit from the party, Lawal expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the ADC’s primary election process. According to him, reports emerging from various stages of the nomination exercise suggested irregularities that, in his view, undermined confidence in the credibility of the party’s internal electoral system.
The former SGF alleged that certain candidates enjoyed preferential treatment during the primaries and claimed that the process failed to provide a level playing field for all aspirants. He further contended that the reported irregularities weakened the principles of fairness and accountability that political parties are expected to uphold.
Among the issues raised by Lawal were allegations that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar wielded significant influence within the party structure. While making the claims, Lawal argued that such influence allegedly affected the transparency of the primary election process and contributed to divisions among members.
Atiku, a major figure in Nigeria’s opposition politics and a former presidential candidate, has remained one of the most influential political actors in the country. Lawal’s allegations are likely to attract widespread attention given the prominent roles both men have played in national politics over the years.
The former SGF also voiced concerns about what he described as increasing tendencies toward ethnic and religious considerations in political decision-making. He warned that opposition parties seeking to gain public confidence must avoid actions that could deepen divisions in a country already grappling with complex social and political challenges.
According to Lawal, political organizations can only earn the trust of citizens when they demonstrate commitment to transparency, inclusion, merit, and equal opportunity. He maintained that internal democracy remains the foundation upon which credible political parties are built.
His resignation comes at a time when political parties across Nigeria are actively reviewing strategies, strengthening grassroots structures, and positioning themselves for future electoral contests. As the race toward 2027 gradually gathers momentum, issues surrounding party leadership and candidate selection are increasingly becoming subjects of national discussion.
Political analysts note that disagreements over primary elections have historically been among the leading causes of defections in Nigeria’s political system. From local government contests to presidential races, disputes over candidate emergence have often resulted in internal crises, legal battles, and realignments among political actors.
Observers believe Lawal’s decision to leave the ADC reflects broader concerns that continue to confront many political parties in the country. Questions surrounding transparency, accountability, and member participation remain recurring themes whenever party primaries are conducted.
The development is also being viewed through the lens of opposition coalition politics. In recent years, opposition figures have repeatedly explored the possibility of building stronger alliances capable of presenting a united front during national elections. However, internal disagreements and leadership struggles have often complicated those efforts.
Lawal argued that the credibility of any political platform depends largely on the integrity of its internal processes. He warned that when party members lose faith in the fairness of primaries, voter confidence in democratic institutions may also suffer.
While the ADC leadership had not immediately provided a comprehensive response to the allegations at the time of his resignation, political observers expect the controversy to generate significant interest among party members and the wider electorate.
The former SGF remains a respected voice in northern Nigerian politics and continues to influence public discourse on governance, democracy, and national development. Since leaving government, he has maintained an active presence in political debates and has frequently commented on issues affecting the country’s democratic system.
His latest move is expected to fuel speculation regarding his future political plans and whether he will align with another political platform ahead of the next electoral cycle. It may also trigger fresh conversations about the challenges confronting opposition parties as they seek to strengthen their structures and broaden their appeal.
As Nigeria moves closer to another critical election season, stakeholders continue to emphasize the importance of credible primaries, transparent leadership, and inclusive governance within political organizations. For many analysts, Lawal’s resignation serves as a reminder that internal democracy remains one of the defining tests of political credibility in the country’s democratic journey.
With political calculations already taking shape for 2027, the implications of Lawal’s exit may extend beyond the ADC, potentially influencing future alliances, opposition strategies, and ongoing debates about leadership and accountability within Nigeria’s political space.
