Nigeria’s political landscape witnessed another major twist ahead of the 2027 general elections as former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, announced his resignation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), expressing deep dissatisfaction with the party’s internal processes and warning that the emergence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate could ultimately strengthen President Bola Tinubu’s chances of securing a second term in office.
Lawal, a prominent political figure and one of the influential voices within the opposition movement, said his decision to leave the ADC was driven by concerns over what he described as irregularities surrounding the party’s presidential primary election. According to him, the process that produced Atiku as the party’s flagbearer failed to meet the expectations of transparency and fairness that many members had hoped would distinguish the ADC from other political parties...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
The former SGF alleged that the primary election was manipulated in favour of Atiku, claiming that several stakeholders who had invested their hopes in the party’s promise of internal democracy were left disappointed by the outcome. He argued that the development undermined confidence in the party and raised serious questions about its commitment to democratic principles.
Speaking on the implications of Atiku’s emergence, Lawal suggested that the former vice president’s candidacy may not be the strongest option for an opposition coalition seeking to unseat President Tinubu in 2027. He maintained that the opposition must be strategic in its choice of candidate and should focus on presenting a fresh and broadly acceptable alternative capable of attracting support across the country.
According to Lawal, many Nigerians are looking for a new direction and a different style of leadership, and he believes that repeating familiar political formulas may not produce the desired outcome. He warned that if opposition parties fail to carefully assess the political realities on the ground, they risk splitting votes and weakening their chances against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The former SGF further stated that opposition leaders must prioritize unity and national interest over personal ambition. He stressed that building a formidable coalition requires sacrifice, compromise and a willingness to place collective goals above individual political aspirations. In his view, the opposition’s ability to challenge the ruling party successfully will depend largely on its capacity to rally behind a candidate who can inspire confidence among diverse groups of voters.
Lawal’s departure represents a significant setback for the ADC at a time when the party has been working to position itself as a major platform for opposition forces ahead of the next presidential election. Over the past months, the party has attracted attention from several politicians and political groups seeking a common platform through which they can challenge the APC’s dominance. However, the controversy generated by the presidential primary and the resignation of a high-profile member like Lawal may create fresh concerns about internal cohesion within the party.
Political analysts believe that the development highlights the growing tensions and power struggles already emerging within opposition circles as preparations for 2027 gather momentum. With various political leaders and interest groups seeking influence over the direction of the opposition movement, disagreements over candidate selection and party leadership are becoming increasingly visible.
Atiku Abubakar remains one of Nigeria’s most experienced politicians, having contested for the presidency multiple times and maintained a significant political following across different parts of the country. His supporters argue that his experience, national network and understanding of governance make him a strong contender for the nation’s highest office. They also believe that his political stature places him in a unique position to challenge the incumbent administration.
However, critics within and outside the opposition camp have questioned whether another Atiku candidacy would generate enough enthusiasm among voters seeking change. Some believe that the opposition may need a younger or less familiar face capable of energizing undecided voters and attracting broader support, particularly among the youth population.
Lawal’s comments are likely to intensify ongoing debates about the future direction of the opposition and the strategy required to defeat the ruling party. His warning that Atiku’s candidacy could inadvertently hand President Tinubu an advantage is expected to resonate within sections of the opposition that have been advocating for a different political approach ahead of the next election.
As political consultations continue across the country, attention will now focus on how the ADC responds to the allegations raised by Lawal and whether his resignation will trigger further defections or disagreements within the party. The coming months are expected to witness increased political maneuvering as parties seek to strengthen their structures, build alliances and position themselves for what promises to be a highly competitive and consequential election cycle.
With more than a year remaining before the 2027 presidential race enters its decisive phase, the battle for Nigeria’s political future is already taking shape. Babachir Lawal’s exit from the ADC has added a new layer of intrigue to the unfolding contest, highlighting the challenges facing opposition forces as they attempt to unite against an incumbent president determined to retain power. Whether the opposition can overcome its internal divisions and present a united front remains one of the biggest questions that will shape the road to 2027.
