A 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). Lawal announced his defection to the NDC in Abuja on Tuesday, declaring his support for the party's presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Lawal cited concerns over insecurity, hunger, and other challenges facing the country as reasons for his defection. He said Nigerians who are concerned about the suffering in the country should support the NDC. Lawal described the NDC as a party that represents the future and has a presidential candidate in Peter Obi and a vice presidential candidate in Rabiu Kwankwaso who can address the country's challenges.
The NDC National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, welcomed Lawal into the party, describing him as a political mobiliser and activist with extensive experience in Nigerian politics. Dickson said Lawal has seen it all and has experience working with parties that have failed to deliver on their promises. He said the NDC is pleased to have Lawal play a leadership role in the party's campaigns in the North Eastern part of Nigeria.
Lawal's defection came about three months after he resigned from the ADC, alleging that the party's presidential primary had been manipulated to favour former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. In his resignation statement, Lawal said he could no longer remain in a party whose primary process he described as fundamentally flawed.
The former SGF alleged that results were altered to favour Atiku and his supporters, adding that even in areas where voting was conducted, declared winners were allegedly replaced. Lawal's new role in the NDC will see him oversee the party's activities and campaigns in the North Eastern part of Nigeria, providing guidance and direction to the party's candidates and campaigns in those zones.
The NDC's presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso is seen as a new hope for Nigerians who are seeking change. With Lawal's experience and expertise, the party is expected to boost its chances in the 2027 general elections. The party's national working committee and its candidates have welcomed Lawal's defection and are counting on him to help resolve issues and provide leadership in the North Eastern part of Nigeria.
Lawal's move to the NDC has been seen as a significant boost to the party's chances in the 2027 general elections. The party is working to mobilise polling agents nationwide and has ceded key campaign council appointments to Obi and Kwankwaso. With Lawal on board, the party is expected to intensify its campaigns and provide a strong challenge to other parties in the 2027 general elections.
Key points
- Babachir Lawal joins NDC citing concerns over insecurity, hunger, and other challenges facing the country.
- Lawal's defection came three months after he resigned from the ADC, alleging manipulation of its presidential primary.
- The NDC's presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso is seen as a new hope for Nigerians seeking change.
