Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has formally joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). He cited worsening insecurity, hunger, poverty, and economic hardship as reasons for his return to active politics. Lawal resigned from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after disagreements over its presidential primary. He had initially decided to retire from partisan politics but reconsidered after reflecting on the hardship confronting Nigerians.
Lawal made the announcement at the Abuja residence of former Bayelsa State Governor and NDC National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson. He said Nigerians concerned about the country’s condition have a responsibility to support the NDC presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso. Lawal described the current state of the nation as dire, with widespread suffering, insecurity, economic deprivation, hunger, and disease.
Lawal’s decision to join the NDC was influenced by his experiences in the APC and ADC, which left him disillusioned with partisan politics. He had remained in the APC largely because of his support for its former presidential candidate, the late Muhammadu Buhari. However, his concerns about the future of his children and fellow Nigerians living under difficult economic conditions led him to reconsider his stance.
The former SGF said he had concluded that supporting Obi and Kwankwaso was the appropriate political choice. He described his decision as a proper choice, saying he had come out of his retirement to join Peter Obi. Lawal’s entry into the NDC is seen as a significant boost to the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Dickson welcomed Lawal into the NDC, describing him as an experienced politician, organiser, and mobiliser. He assigned Lawal responsibility for coordinating the NDC’s political activities and campaigns in the North-east and North-central geopolitical zones. Lawal will provide leadership for the party’s candidates and campaign structures in the two zones.
Dickson also urged Lawal to deploy his extensive political contacts beyond the two zones to advance the party’s national campaign. He condemned alleged attacks on opposition parties in parts of the country and urged security agencies to protect political parties and ensure that their members were allowed to campaign without intimidation.
Lawal’s defection marks a significant shift in the opposition realignment ahead of the 2027 general election. This move comes months after he publicly criticised Obi and ruled out the NDC following Obi and Kwankwaso’s departure from the ADC. The NDC leader promised to demonstrate its organisational strength as its 2027 campaign activities unfold.
Key points
- Babachir Lawal joins NDC citing insecurity, hunger, and poverty.
- Lawal takes charge of NDC’s North-east and North-central campaigns.
- Move marks significant shift in opposition realignment ahead of 2027 elections.
