Babachir Dumps ADC, Alleges Primaries Rigged in Atiku’s Favour

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has resigned from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alleging that the party’s recent primary elections were manipulated to favour former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and his political associates.

Lawal announced his decision in a statement on Monday, describing the exercise that produced candidates for various elective offices ahead of the 2027 general elections as deeply flawed.

The ADC had conducted nationwide direct primaries last month to select its candidates for governorship, National Assembly and state assembly positions, as well as its presidential flag bearer.

Atiku emerged winner of the presidential contest with 1,846,370 votes, defeating former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, who secured 504,117 votes, while former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen polled 177,120 votes.

However, the outcome sparked controversy after Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen rejected the results and stayed away from the official declaration of the presidential primary outcome in Abuja.

Lawal, who hails from Adamawa State like Atiku, claimed that irregularities were not limited to the presidential race but extended across the entire primary process.

According to him, candidates who emerged through what he described as legitimate electoral processes were allegedly replaced by individuals loyal to Atiku.

“I sense a conspiracy of silence of which I want no part. Most members of the party are behaving as if this is the normal thing to do,” Lawal said.

He further alleged that, “Even where they allowed some semblance of election to hold, the winners were simply replaced with members of his syndicate. In the real sense, it was a disgraceful charade.”

The former SGF said his decision to leave the party was driven by his opposition to what he described as a culture of electoral manipulation.

Lawal argued that supporting Atiku’s presidential ambition would ultimately benefit President Bola Tinubu, whom he suggested stood a better chance of retaining power if the former vice-president emerged as the opposition candidate.

“I do not want to be part of any rigging plan for 2027. Working for Atiku means giving Tinubu an automatic ticket to a second term, which gives me nightmares,” he stated.

He also launched a direct attack on Atiku’s leadership credentials, describing the former vice-president as incapable of providing the leadership Nigeria needs.

Lawal said he would actively oppose Atiku’s bid for the presidency in the 2027 election, widening the growing rift within the ADC following the party’s primaries.

His resignation adds to the challenges facing the opposition party as it seeks to consolidate support ahead of the next general election.