Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has claimed he possesses concrete evidence that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) primary election was rigged, accusing supporters of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of orchestrating the fraud. Speaking on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ programme on Monday, Lawal stated he was actively monitoring the election process as National Vice Chairman for the Northeast and witnessed irregularities firsthand. He emphasized that the claims made by Atiku’s camp are false, asserting that those involved in wrongdoing would never admit to it.
Lawal’s allegations come amid growing tensions within the ADC as the party prepares for upcoming elections. He stressed that his presence during the primary gave him direct insight into the events, and he is confident in the authenticity of his observations. “Don’t forget I was the National Vice Chairman (Northeast). I was in the field during the exercise, so I have evidence,” he said. His statement suggests a deep internal conflict within the party, with key figures now openly accusing each other of electoral misconduct.
He further criticized Atiku’s supporters for denying their role in the alleged rigging, comparing their denial to a thief refusing to acknowledge theft. “Atiku’s people are the ones lying by trying to deny what they did. We are all human beings. We know what they did,” Lawal declared. His remarks imply that the primary results may not reflect the true will of the party members, raising questions about the legitimacy of the outcome.
Lawal also pointed out that he recognized the rigging during the voting and result declaration phases, indicating that the irregularities were not isolated but systemic. This assertion adds weight to concerns about transparency and fairness in the ADC’s internal processes. As the party moves forward, these claims could influence membership trust and affect the party’s performance in future elections.
The ADC primary has become a flashpoint for political discourse, with Lawal’s testimony likely to spark further debate and scrutiny. His position as a former SGF and high-ranking party official lends credibility to his claims, making them difficult to ignore. The party leadership now faces the challenge of addressing these allegations to maintain unity and public confidence.
As Nigeria’s political landscape continues to evolve, the ADC’s internal dynamics will be closely watched. Lawal’s revelations may prompt an independent review of the primary process, setting a precedent for greater accountability within political parties. The coming weeks will reveal whether the party can resolve these disputes and move forward cohesively.
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