Amanze Chinonye
A fresh crisis has erupted within the opposition coalition after former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal, announced his resignation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alleging that the party’s recently concluded presidential primaries were manipulated in favour of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
In a strongly worded statement, Lawal accused the party leadership of conducting what he described as a “disgraceful charade,” alleging that results were either written or altered to ensure Atiku’s emergence as the party’s presidential candidate. He claimed that even in areas where voting was allowed to take place, declared winners were replaced by individuals loyal to Atiku.
Lawal said he was leaving the party because he did not want to be associated with what he termed Atiku’s “rigging machine” ahead of the 2027 general election. He further alleged that the former vice president and his associates represented what he described as “religious hegemonists” and argued that supporting Atiku’s presidential ambition would effectively hand President Bola Ahmed Tinubu an easier path to re-election.
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The former SGF also launched a scathing attack on Atiku’s leadership credentials, questioning his capacity to govern and expressing concerns about what he described as the implications of an Atiku presidency. Lawal said he would return to his village and consult with political allies on ways to prevent Atiku from securing the presidency in 2027.
His resignation has since drawn a sharp response from former presidential aide Lauretta Onochie, who dismissed his allegations and suggested that his exit from the party was widely anticipated.
In a statement issued shortly after Lawal’s resignation, Onochie argued that the former SGF’s departure reflected long-standing political differences with Atiku rather than concerns about the conduct of the primaries. She maintained that Atiku enjoyed overwhelming support among ADC members and stakeholders across the country and said the outcome of the party’s presidential primary merely reflected the wishes of the majority.
Onochie further accused Lawal of attempting to create divisions within the party and rejected his characterization of Atiku as a religious bigot. She alleged that Lawal himself had previously sought to influence political decisions along religious lines in Adamawa State.
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Describing ADC as a party committed to national unity and inclusiveness, Onochie insisted that the party remained focused on its 2027 electoral ambitions under Atiku’s leadership. She said the party would continue to prioritize unity, discipline and loyalty to its collective vision while remaining vigilant against what she called “destabilising individuals” within its ranks.
The exchange underscores growing tensions within the ADC following its presidential primary and highlights the challenges facing opposition forces seeking to build a united front ahead of the 2027 general election.
Neither Atiku Abubakar nor the ADC national leadership had publicly responded to Lawal’s specific allegations of primary election manipulation as of the time of filing this report.
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.
