Amanze Chinonye
The media office of former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has strongly rejected allegations made by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal, following his resignation from the party, Prime Business Africa reports.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, the Atiku Media Office described Lawal’s claims against the former vice president as “fabricated and brazen lies,” accusing the former SGF of engaging in a needless attack on Atiku’s character.
The statement followed Lawal’s announcement that he was leaving the ADC, citing alleged irregularities in the party’s presidential primary and accusing Atiku Abubakar of religious and ethnic bias.
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Responding to the allegations, the media office said Lawal was entitled to leave the party but had no basis for what it described as unfounded accusations against Atiku.
According to the statement, claims that Atiku is a religious bigot or nepotistic leader were among the “most ridiculous lies” that could be levelled against the former vice president, insisting that his political record demonstrated a commitment to inclusiveness and liberal democratic values.
The Atiku camp further turned the criticism back on Lawal, alleging that the former SGF had a history of exploiting ethnic and religious sentiments for personal political ambitions.
“As far as we are concerned, Babachir was perfectly describing his own character rather than Atiku’s,” the statement said, accusing him of pursuing power through divisive rhetoric and placing personal interests above national considerations.
The media office also faulted Lawal’s claims that the ADC primaries were rigged, noting that he had failed to provide evidence to support the allegations.
It argued that rather than presenting proof of electoral manipulation, Lawal resorted to personal attacks and dragged Atiku’s family into the controversy, a move it described as irrelevant to the issue of the party’s primary election.
The statement further characterised Lawal as a “conflict entrepreneur” and questioned his suitability to lecture others on national unity and good governance.
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The Atiku Media Office urged the former SGF to refrain from what it described as attempts to deepen divisions among Nigerians, stressing that political parties in the country are not organised along religious lines.
It also advised Lawal to pursue any grievances through the party’s internal mechanisms by presenting evidence of alleged irregularities rather than making public accusations.
The latest exchange marks a further escalation in the fallout from the ADC presidential primary and highlights widening divisions within the opposition party as political realignments ahead of the 2027 general election continue to unfold.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
