Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has labelled Atiku Abubakar’s presidential ambition as a “cheap product,” in a scathing social media post that also criticizes the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over its Adamawa State governorship primary. The remarks were made in a Facebook post titled ‘Kachalla Series Three,’ shared on Sunday, where Lawal accused the ADC of replacing Umar Suleiman, whom he claims won the party’s internal election, with Tukur Moddibo. He alleged that this switch was orchestrated due to ethnic considerations and undue influence from Atiku, the former vice president and current presidential aspirant.
Lawal drew a sharp analogy between the ADC’s candidate selection process and online shopping platforms, specifically referencing TEMU, a popular budget e-commerce site known for low-cost goods. In his post, he wrote: “As the story goes on the streets in the state, APC donated its gubernatorial candidate to the state having purchased him from TEMU the cheap online marketplace, and it appears that the ADC too has just done likewise, aside giving to the nation a presidential candidate that looks more like he too was a cheap product from TEMU.” This comparison underscores his view that both major political parties are prioritizing short-term political gains over merit and genuine grassroots support.
The ex-SGF further accused Atiku of using ethnic and religious affiliations to manipulate candidate selections within the ADC. According to Lawal, the decision to replace Suleiman with Moddibo was not based on electoral performance or public mandate, but rather on pressure exerted by Atiku to ensure candidates aligned with his preferred demographic interests. He argued that such practices undermine democratic principles and weaken the credibility of Nigeria’s political processes.
This public criticism comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, with various parties finalizing their structures and selecting candidates. Lawal’s comments have sparked reactions across social media, with supporters of Atiku dismissing the allegations as politically motivated attacks, while others have echoed concerns about ethnic-based politics in Nigerian elections. The ADC has yet to issue an official response to Lawal’s claims, leaving the controversy open for debate.
Lawal, who served as SGF under President Muhammadu Buhari, remains a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and is known for his candid commentary on national affairs. His latest remarks add to the growing discourse on transparency, fairness, and inclusivity in Nigeria’s political landscape. As the country prepares for another electoral cycle, scrutiny over candidate selection and party integrity will likely intensify, making Lawal’s critique a significant point of discussion in the lead-up to future elections.
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