Breaking: Ex-SGF Babachir Lawal joins another party 3 months after ADC exit

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), three months after resigning from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over allegations that its presidential primary was manipulated.

Lawal formally announced his defection to the NDC in Abuja on Tuesday, where he was received by leaders of the opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The former SGF also declared his support for the party’s presidential ticket comprising Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, saying their joint candidacy represented an opportunity to address some of the challenges confronting the country.

Lawal joins NDC, backs Obi-Kwankwaso ticket

Speaking after his reception into the party, Lawal said Nigerians who were concerned about insecurity, hunger, ignorance, disease and other difficulties in the country should identify with the NDC.

He 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.”

Lawal said he believed it was necessary for Nigerians to support the NDC in achieving its objective of installing Obi as president and Kwankwaso as vice president after the 2027 election.

He expressed optimism about the party’s campaign and said its supporters would look forward to May 29, 2027, which he described as a date to celebrate what he called a feat for the benefit of the country and future generations.

NDC gives Lawal campaign role in North-East

Receiving the former SGF into the party, NDC National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, described Lawal as an experienced political mobiliser and activist who had played a significant role in Nigerian politics.

Dickson said Lawal’s experience went beyond his previous official position as Secretary to the Government of the Federation, describing him as someone with considerable political mobilisation experience.

He said Lawal would play a leadership role within the party and oversee the activities of the NDC and its campaigns in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria.

According to Dickson, Lawal would also be expected to help resolve issues and provide guidance and direction to the party’s candidates and campaign activities across the zone.

Lawal had earlier left ADC over primary dispute

Lawal’s defection to the NDC follows his resignation from the ADC about three months ago.

The former SGF had accused the party of conducting a fundamentally flawed presidential primary, alleging that the process was manipulated to favour former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

In a resignation statement published on his official Facebook page at the time, Lawal said he could no longer remain in a political party where he believed the primary process had been compromised.

He alleged that results were altered in favour of Atiku and his supporters, claiming that declared winners were replaced even in some areas where voting had taken place.