Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has called on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to replace Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, citing alleged rigging in the party’s primary and questioning Atiku’s ability to defeat President Bola Tinubu. Lawal made the appeal in a statement shared on his Facebook page, where he expressed deep concern over the integrity of the ADC’s internal processes and the party’s chances of winning the upcoming election. He argued that Atiku’s candidacy, as currently structured, poses a serious threat to the party’s electoral prospects and urged leadership to act before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deadline passes.
Lawal maintained that the ADC’s primary election was manipulated in Atiku’s favour, undermining the democratic principles the party claims to uphold. He emphasized that the selection process lacked transparency and fairness, which he believes has weakened the party’s foundation. According to him, Atiku lacks the necessary qualifications, vision, and appeal to challenge President Tinubu effectively in 2027. Lawal’s statement comes amid growing debates within Nigerian politics over party primaries, leadership credibility, and the need for genuine democratic reforms.
In his post, Lawal also lamented the backlash he has received since publishing his earlier “Kachalla 1” commentary, which sparked widespread reactions across the country. He noted that instead of engaging with his concerns about electoral integrity and party leadership, many of his critics have focused on personal attacks, particularly from members of the Fulani community. “Since my Kachalla 1 post, almost the whole of Nigeria’s Fulani race has descended on me with all manner of insults and threats,” he stated, highlighting the emotional and sometimes hostile response his views have provoked.
Despite the criticism, Lawal remains firm in his position, urging the ADC to take decisive action to strengthen its chances in the 2027 election. He stressed that the party must prioritize competence and credibility over loyalty or personal interests. His call for a change in leadership is seen by some as a bold move to challenge entrenched political figures within the opposition space. As the 2027 elections draw nearer, such internal debates within political parties are expected to intensify, shaping the landscape of Nigeria’s democratic process.
The ADC’s response to Lawal’s advice will be closely watched, as it could signal a shift in the party’s strategy or deepen existing divisions. For now, Lawal’s statement adds another layer to the ongoing discourse on political accountability and electoral fairness in Nigeria. His intervention underscores the growing demand for transparency and meritocracy in party politics as the country prepares for its next general election.
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