Babachir Lawal Joins NDC, Backs Obi-Kwankwaso Ticket

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), three months after leaving the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Lawal announced his move on Tuesday in Abuja, where he was formally received by the NDC leadership.

He also declared support for the party’s presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The former SGF said Nigerians worried about insecurity, hunger and other challenges should support what he described as a platform for change.

Lawal said his decision reflected his concern about the situation in the country.

“Anybody in Nigeria who has the interest of our country at heart and sympathy for the suffering that is ongoing in our country, along with insecurity, hunger, ignorance and disease, will have no choice but to join a party that represents the future,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to support the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket and expressed confidence that the alliance would pursue what he described as a better future for the country.

“Every sensible and patriotic Nigerian ought to understand this,” Lawal said.

He added that he looked forward to May 29, 2027, to celebrate what he described as the success of the political project.

Receiving Lawal, NDC National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, described him as an experienced political mobiliser.

Dickson said Lawal’s experience would be useful to the party as it prepares for the 2027 elections.

“Babachir Lawal does not need any introduction. He was the former secretary to the government of our country, who did well,” Dickson said.

He said Lawal would take a leadership role in the party’s activities and campaigns across the North-East.

“We are pleased to have you play a leadership role that only you can play at those levels,” Dickson said.

Dickson also tasked the former SGF with helping to resolve political issues and providing direction to NDC candidates and campaign structures in the region.

Lawal’s defection follows his resignation from the ADC in June after the party’s presidential primary.

At the time, he alleged that the primary process had been manipulated to favour former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Lawal claimed that results were altered in some areas and that some declared winners were allegedly replaced by other candidates.

He said the process was fundamentally flawed and that he could not remain in a party whose primary he believed had been manipulated.

Atiku, however, later dismissed Lawal’s allegations as speculation without evidence. His spokesperson also defended the primary as credible.

Lawal’s move to the NDC now places him within the party backing the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.

The former SGF is expected to play a role in the party’s mobilisation efforts in the North-East, following the responsibility announced by Dickson.