News Rendezvous

By News Rendezvous Political Desk

A fresh political storm has erupted within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following the resignation of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal, who accused the party leadership of manipulating its recently concluded presidential primaries in favour of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

In a blistering statement announcing his departure from the party, Lawal alleged that the primaries were “massively rigged” at various levels to ensure the emergence of Atiku as the ADC presidential candidate.

“I am exiting the ADC because its just concluded primaries were at all levels massively rigged in favour of Kachalla Abubakar Atiku. Results were simply written or rewritten to favour him and his coven,” Lawal said.

According to Lawal, the primaries were neither free nor fair, alleging that results were either written outright or altered to ensure victory for candidates aligned with Atiku. “I am exiting the ADC because its just concluded primaries were at all levels massively rigged in favour of Kachalla Abubakar Atiku. Results were simply written or rewritten to favour him and his coven,” he stated.

The former SGF said he could not remain in a political platform that, in his view, was preparing to replicate similar practices in the 2027 general elections. “I do not intend to be part of Kachalla Atiku’s rigging machine in the 2027 general elections, and I cannot avoid doing so if I remain in the party,” he declared.

Lawal further accused Atiku and his associates of pursuing what he described as ethnic and religious domination, claiming that supporting the former vice president’s presidential ambition would ultimately be detrimental to Nigeria’s democratic future. In one of the most striking portions of his statement, Lawal argued that despite his criticisms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he believed Atiku’s emergence as president could leave the country in an even worse position. “The choice in 2027, it seems, will be a Morton’s fork,” he said, suggesting that Nigerians may be faced with two difficult alternatives.

The former SGF also criticized northern political actors whom he accused of facilitating the outcome of the ADC primaries. He expressed disappointment that, despite the economic hardship and insecurity affecting many communities in Northern Nigeria, political leaders continued to support what he termed an “incompetent octogenarian.” Lawal maintained that the region should be seeking leadership capable of reversing poverty and insecurity rather than promoting what he described as ineffective political leadership. While announcing a temporary withdrawal from active politics, he said he would return to his village farm to reflect and consult with like-minded associates on strategies to prevent Atiku from securing the presidency in 2027.

“From my village farm, I will be watching Kachalla Atiku and his band of vote riggers and result manipulators mercilessly out-rigged and beaten by Tinubu’s ruthless and superior rigging machine,” he said.

The explosive statement is expected to further intensify political debates ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly within opposition circles where efforts are ongoing to build a united front against the ruling administration.

Atiku Camp Rejects Allegations

However, Atiku Abubakar’s camp has strongly rejected the allegations, describing them as baseless and unsupported by evidence. In a statement issued by Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former vice president’s camp accused Lawal of attempting to discredit a democratic process without presenting any proof. Shaibu said Lawal failed to provide documents, witnesses, or verifiable facts to substantiate his claims that the primary election was manipulated.

According to the statement, the ADC presidential primary was conducted across thousands of wards nationwide and reflected the will of party members.

The Atiku camp further argued that Lawal had accepted similar internal party processes in the past and only raised objections after the outcome failed to favour his preferred candidate.

Shaibu also referenced controversies surrounding Lawal’s tenure as SGF, including his 2017 removal from office over allegations connected to the Presidential Initiative on the North-East, a matter in which Lawal has consistently denied wrongdoing.

The statement warned against introducing ethnic and religious sentiments into internal party disagreements, describing such narratives as divisive and unhelpful to national cohesion.It added that Atiku remains focused on addressing issues of governance, economic recovery, and national security ahead of the 2027 elections.

Growing Rift Within Opposition Ranks

The exchange highlights growing tensions within opposition circles as political parties reposition ahead of the 2027 general elections. While Lawal insists the ADC primaries were manipulated in favour of Atiku, the former vice president’s camp maintains that the process was transparent and democratic.

The dispute is expected to fuel further debate within the party and among opposition stakeholders seeking to build a formidable coalition capable of challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the next presidential election.

As of press time, the ADC leadership had not issued a separate official statement addressing the allegations beyond the response from Atiku’s camp.