Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has officially joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). This move comes three months after he resigned from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing alleged manipulation of its presidential primary. Lawal announced his defection to the NDC in Abuja, expressing his support for the party's presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Lawal emphasized that Nigerians concerned about the country's ongoing challenges, including insecurity, hunger, and disease, should support the NDC. He described the party as representing the future, with Obi and Kwankwaso as their candidates. Lawal called on patriotic Nigerians to partner with the NDC to achieve the goal of installing Obi as president and Kwankwaso as vice president by May 29, 2027.
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 acknowledged Lawal's achievements as former secretary to the government and his ability to mobilize and give direction to political activities.
Dickson expressed pleasure in having Lawal play a leadership role in overseeing the NDC's activities and campaigns in the North Eastern part of Nigeria. He counted on Lawal to help resolve issues, provide guidance, and direction to the activities of all NDC candidates and campaigns in those zones.
Lawal's defection to the NDC follows his resignation from the ADC in June 2026, alleging that the party's presidential primary was manipulated to favour former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. In his resignation statement, Lawal described the primary process as fundamentally flawed, with results altered to favour Atiku and his supporters.
The former SGF alleged that even in areas where voting was conducted, declared winners were allegedly replaced. Lawal's move to the NDC is seen as a significant boost to the party's presidential campaign, given his extensive experience and influence in Nigerian politics.
With Lawal on board, the NDC is expected to strengthen its presence in the North Eastern region of Nigeria. The party's presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso is seen as a competitive option in the 2027 general elections, with Lawal's support expected to play a crucial role in mobilizing voters.
Key points
- Babachir Lawal joins Nigeria Democratic Congress after resigning from African Democratic Congress.
- Lawal cites concerns over insecurity, hunger, and challenges facing Nigeria as reasons for joining NDC.
- NDC's presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso gains momentum with Lawal's support.
