Babachir Lawal Dumps ADC, Accuses Party Of Rigging Primaries For Atiku

A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has resigned from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over alleged irregularities in the party’s recently concluded primaries.

Naija News reports that Lawal, in a statement issued on Monday, June 1, 2026, alleged that the primaries were heavily compromised in favour of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

He said the process was manipulated to produce predetermined outcomes, thereby undermining fairness and internal democracy within the party.

The former SGF said the alleged irregularities were unacceptable and informed his decision to leave the ADC.

“I am exiting the ADC because its just concluded primaries were at all levels massively rigged in favour of Kachalla Abubakar Atiku,” Lawal said.

He also accused party stakeholders of keeping quiet over the alleged flaws in the process.

“I sense a conspiracy of silence of which I want no part. Most members of the party are behaving as if this is the normal thing to do,” he added.

Beyond his resignation, Lawal declared opposition to Atiku’s reported presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He argued that supporting the former Vice-President could indirectly strengthen President Bola Tinubu’s chances of re-election.

The former SGF also questioned the political direction of opposition figures backing Atiku, saying leadership choices should be based on competence and national interest rather than sentiment or loyalty.

Lawal said he would take a break from active political engagement. He added that he would consult with allies before deciding on the next direction of his political involvement.