Political Earthquake: Ex-SGF Babachir Lawal Dumps Atiku, Joins NDC Ahead of 2027

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has officially defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), marking a significant political realignment ahead of the 2027 general election. This move follows a closed-door meeting with the national leader of the NDC, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, at his Abuja residence, solidifying Lawal's involvement in opposition efforts.

Lawal's defection comes months after his resignation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in June. He had exited the ADC shortly after the emergence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate. At the time, Lawal vehemently accused the ADC presidential primary of being massively rigged in favor of Atiku. In his resignation statement, he alleged that results had been “written or rewritten” to favor the former vice president, stating his unwillingness to remain part of what he described as a “rigging machine.” He further claimed that in some instances, candidates who emerged as winners were allegedly replaced by individuals loyal to Atiku.

Speaking after being received into the opposition party, the former SGF articulated his profound reasons for joining the NDC, framing it as a patriotic duty. Lawal stated, “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 and have Peter and Kwankwaso as their candidates.” He added that “Every sensible and patriotic Nigerian ought to understand this.”

Lawal, who had previously supported Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party, confirmed his commitment to the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket. He expressed that it is now “convincing to partner with the NDC to see to the fulfilment of the very noble objective of installing Obi as the president and Kwankwaso as vice president.” With an optimistic outlook, Lawal stated his anticipation for May 29, 2027, to “celebrate the feat properly for the good of the country, and future of generations yet unborn.” In line with this vision, the NDC is poised to inaugurate a Peter Obi, Kwankwaso Presidential Campaign Council, signaling a clear strategic direction for the upcoming elections.