By Ado Oyeyemi
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress, about three months after quitting the African Democratic Congress over allegations surrounding its presidential primary.
Lawal announced his defection in Abuja on Tuesday, declaring his support for the NDC presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former SGF said Nigerians concerned about insecurity, hunger, poverty and other challenges confronting the country should support the NDC.
Lawal said, “Anybody in Nigeria who has the interest of our country at heart and sympathy for the suffering that is ongoing in our country, along with insecurity, hunger, ignorance and disease, will have no choice but to join a party that represents the future and have Peter and Kwankwaso as their candidates.”
He added that he expected the NDC to achieve its objective of producing Obi as President and Kwankwaso as Vice President in 2027.
Receiving Lawal into the party, NDC National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, described him as an experienced politician, mobiliser and activist with extensive knowledge of Nigerian politics.
Dickson said Lawal would play a leadership role in the party’s activities and campaigns in the North-East, adding that his experience would be valuable to the party.
Lawal’s move to the NDC follows his June resignation from the ADC, where he alleged that the party’s presidential primary had been manipulated in favour of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Channels Television reported that Lawal accused the process of irregularities, while the ADC maintained that the exercise allowed members to make their choice.
The former SGF had alleged that results were altered to favour Atiku and his supporters, including claims that some declared winners were replaced after voting had taken place.
Atiku’s camp subsequently rejected the allegations, saying Lawal had not provided evidence to substantiate his claims.
Lawal, who served as SGF under former President Muhammadu Buhari, is now expected to take an active role in the NDC’s mobilisation and campaign activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
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The NDC has previously announced Obi and Kwankwaso as its presidential and vice-presidential candidates, respectively, as the party intensifies preparations for the 2027 election.
