‘Babachir Lawal Handed Atiku Bitter Divorce’ – Presidency

The Presidency has mocked the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, following the resignation of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, from the party.

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

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.

Reacting to the development, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described it as a setback for Atiku.

“Babachir David Lawal just handed Atiku Abubakar and his captured ADC a stinging rebuke, along with a bitter divorce,” Onanuga wrote on 𝕏 while posting a post by the former SGF.