Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has publicly declared that Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, a presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is more competent than the party’s chosen flag bearer, Atiku Abubakar. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Lawal emphasized that Hayatu-Deen’s experience far surpasses that of Atiku, stating they are “not on the same boat” and “not possibly talking of the same sea.” The former SGF highlighted Hayatu-Deen’s long-standing leadership role as Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), underscoring his deep involvement in shaping Nigeria’s economic policies.
Lawal’s comments come amid growing internal debates within the ADC following the party’s presidential primary election held recently to select its candidate for the 2027 general elections. While Atiku Abubakar emerged victorious after securing the highest number of votes, Hayatu-Deen finished in third place, behind former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, who came in second. Despite Atiku’s extensive political experience, including multiple presidential runs and decades in public office, Lawal argued that Hayatu-Deen’s professional and economic leadership credentials give him a distinct edge in terms of competence.
The ADC’s primary election was a significant moment for the party, as it sought to consolidate its position ahead of the 2027 elections. The results sparked reactions from various quarters, with some supporters of Hayatu-Deen questioning the legitimacy of Atiku’s victory and calling for a more transparent process. Lawal’s remarks have added fuel to the discussion, particularly as he is a respected figure in Nigerian politics and governance, having served as SGF under former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Hayatu-Deen’s tenure as Chairman of NESG positioned him at the forefront of economic policy discussions in Nigeria, where he worked closely with government and private sector leaders to address national challenges. His background in economic management and development contrasts with Atiku’s more traditional political career, which has been marked by multiple presidential campaigns and a focus on governance and administration. Lawal’s assertion that Hayatu-Deen is more competent reflects a growing narrative that Nigeria’s next leader should possess strong economic expertise to tackle the country’s current fiscal and developmental challenges.
As the 2027 elections draw nearer, the ADC faces the task of uniting its factions and presenting a cohesive front. Lawal’s comments may influence how the party’s supporters perceive the leadership race and could impact internal dynamics in the months ahead. The debate over competence versus experience will likely continue to shape political discourse within the ADC and beyond, as Nigerians prepare for what promises to be a highly contested election cycle.
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