Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has explained his decision to leave the All Progressives Congress and the African Democratic Congress to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress. Lawal, who was formally received into the NDC by its National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, stated that his movement between political parties was driven by his disagreement with the choices made by the parties in selecting their presidential candidates.
Lawal remained in the APC when former President Muhammadu Buhari was the party's presidential candidate, citing Buhari's integrity. However, he became dissatisfied with the direction the party took after Buhari's tenure, particularly with the choice of a new presidential candidate whom he alleged did not prioritize Nigeria's interests. This led him to leave the APC and later the ADC, where he had been involved in opposition coalition activities.
Lawal's decision to leave the ADC followed his dissatisfaction with the process that produced the party's presidential candidate, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar. He had hoped the opposition coalition would produce a political platform capable of addressing Nigeria's challenges but became convinced that the process had not met his expectations. His concerns extended beyond political affiliation to the future of the country and the conditions facing ordinary Nigerians.
Lawal's considerations eventually led him to the NDC and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi. He described Obi as a politician with integrity and praised NDC vice-presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Lawal argued that the records of Obi and Kwankwaso as former governors demonstrated their commitment to improving the welfare of their respective populations.
According to Lawal, Obi and Kwankwaso left indelible marks among their people, uplifting them, bringing security, and economic prosperity. Their commitment to improving the welfare of their populations was evident during their tenures as governors. Lawal's defection to the NDC places him behind the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Lawal's move to the NDC comes three months after he left the ADC, reportedly due to his disagreement with the process surrounding the ADC presidential primary that produced Atiku as the party's candidate. His defection has significant implications for the opposition platforms, with Obi and Atiku currently representing separate opposition platforms.
Lawal's decision to support Obi was driven by his assessment of Obi's integrity and commitment to Nigeria's interests. He emphasized that any sensible Nigerian who loves the country and its people will support the Obi-Kwankwaso movement. Lawal's defection to the NDC is seen as a significant boost to the party's presidential campaign.
Key points
- Babachir Lawal leaves APC, ADC to join NDC, citing integrity and Nigeria's interests
- Lawal supports Peter Obi, citing his integrity and commitment to Nigeria's interests
- Defection has significant implications for opposition platforms ahead of 2027 presidential election
