Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has revealed that he played a key role in convincing Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the party's presidential primary. According to Lawal, Obi was initially hesitant to join the ADC, but he intervened and persuaded the former Anambra State governor to commit to the party. Lawal made the disclosure on Arise Television's Prime Time, recounting the negotiations that led to Obi and Kwankwaso's entry into the ADC.
Lawal disclosed that Kwankwaso had reservations about joining the coalition due to Atiku Abubakar's presence, fearing it would affect the party's chances. He claimed that Kwankwaso believed Atiku's involvement would undermine the party's prospects. Lawal also revealed that Obi had similar concerns, particularly regarding the proposed presidential primary. Obi favoured a consensus arrangement, believing a contested primary could give an advantage to candidates with greater financial resources and political influence.
According to Lawal, efforts to produce a consensus candidate eventually failed, deepening disagreements within the coalition and contributing to the departure of Obi and Kwankwaso from the ADC. He alleged that both politicians later became convinced that the primary process was being manipulated in favour of Atiku, who eventually emerged as the ADC presidential candidate. Lawal's account has brought fresh attention to the negotiations, disagreements, and political calculations that shaped the opposition coalition ahead of the election.
Lawal, who had previously been an ally of Atiku, left the ADC after the primary and subsequently alleged that the exercise was massively rigged. He has since joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), the platform backing Obi and Kwankwaso as its presidential and vice-presidential candidates respectively for the 2027 election. This move marks a significant shift in Lawal's political allegiance and underscores the complex nature of Nigeria's opposition politics.
The development highlights the challenges faced by opposition parties in Nigeria as they seek to present a united front against the ruling party. The ADC, which had been seen as a potential force in the opposition coalition, has been weakened by the departure of key figures like Obi and Kwankwaso. Lawal's claims provide insight into the internal dynamics of the party and the negotiations that shaped its presidential primary.
Obi and Kwankwaso's decision to join forces with the NDC, led by Lawal, has significant implications for the 2027 election. The NDC is now positioning itself as a major player in the opposition landscape, with Obi and Kwankwaso as its presidential and vice-presidential candidates. This development is likely to intensify the competition for votes in the election, which is still over a year away.
The allegations of rigging and manipulation levelled by Lawal against the ADC primary process also raise concerns about the integrity of Nigeria's electoral processes. As the country prepares for the 2027 election, there are growing calls for electoral reforms and greater transparency in the conduct of elections. The controversy surrounding the ADC primary process is likely to add fuel to these debates.
Key points
- Babachir Lawal claims he persuaded Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso to join the African Democratic Congress despite concerns about Atiku Abubakar's involvement.
- Obi and Kwankwaso eventually left the ADC due to disagreements over the party's primary process and allegations of manipulation in favour of Atiku.
- Lawal has since joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress, which is backing Obi and Kwankwaso as its presidential and vice-presidential candidates for the 2027 election.
