Babachir Lawal, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has resigned from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over alleged irregularities in the party’s recently concluded primaries.
Lawal was quoted as alleging in a statement on Monday, June 1, 2026 that the primaries were heavily compromised in favour of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
He said the process was manipulated to produce predetermined outcomes, thus undermining fairness and internal democracy within the party.
The ex-SGF said the alleged irregularities were unacceptable and conveyed his decision to leave the ADC.
“I am leaving the ADC because its primaries just ended were rigged at all levels in favour of Kachalla Abubakar Atiku,” Lawal said.
He also accused party stakeholders of being silent over the alleged flaws in the process.
“I feel a conspiracy of silence of which I want no part. Most of the members of the party are acting as if this is the normal thing to do, he added.
Lawal, who left the PDP, also declared his opposition to Atiku’s reported presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Supporting the former Vice-President could indirectly bolster President Bola Tinubu’s chances of re-election, he said.
The former SGF also enquired about the political orientation of the opposition figures backing Atiku, emphasising that the decision on who to lead should be based on competence and national interest, and not on sentiment or loyalty.
Lawal said he would be taking a break from active political engagements. He said he would consult with allies before deciding on the next direction of his political involvement.
