Like Peter Obi And Kwankwaso, We Saw Babachir Lawal’s ADC Resignation Coming – Onochie

Former presidential media aide, Lauretta Onochie, has declared that the resignation of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) did not come as a surprise to the party.

According to Onochie, who spoke via a statement released on her social media account on Monday, Lawal’s resignation was anticipated following the earlier defection of former Governors Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

Naija News recalls that Lawal resigned from the ADC over alleged irregularities in the party’s recently concluded primaries.

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

However, Onochie said Lawal had always nursed hostilities towards Atiku.

According to her, “The resignation of Engr. B.D. Lawal from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) should not come as a surprise to those who have closely followed his political trajectory. After Obi and Kwankwaso left, we knew he would be next.

“For many years, B.D. Lawal was a close associate of President Tinubu. However, years ago, when Tinubu and HE Atiku Abubakar found common political ground in ACN, tensions emerged. At the heart of those tensions was the growing influence and national stature of Atiku Abubakar, a political force whose reach and acceptance extended far beyond regional boundaries.

“Over the years, even after Atiku moved on from Tinubu, political hostilities continued from B.D. Lawal towards Atiku Abubakar. What began as envy and an inferiority complex on the part of BD Lawal gradually evolved into persistent opposition to Atiku.”

Peter Obi Used Against Atiku

Onochie further alleged that several political developments in recent years, including the emergence of Peter Obi, are targeted at diminishing Atiku’s influence and leadership.

She insisted, however, that those plans failed and Atiku remains the preferred choice.

“Many observers believe that several political developments in recent years, particularly those aimed at diminishing Atiku’s influence in 2023, using Mr. Peter Obi, cannot be fully understood without examining the role played by certain individuals who were determined to challenge Atiku’s leadership.

“As ADC prepared for its 2026 presidential primaries, it became increasingly clear that attempts were being made to create divisions within the party, particularly around the candidacy of His Excellency Atiku Abubakar. Yet those efforts failed woefully, because the overwhelming majority of party members and stakeholders had already made up their minds as the direction the nation is heading in 2027. Across the country, Atiku enjoyed broad acceptance, deep grassroots support, and unmatched political goodwill.

“The outcome of the primary election confirmed what many already knew: Atiku Abubakar was the preferred choice of most ADC members,” she said.

Onochie further insisted that several disputes and conflicts plaguing the ADC have been linked to Lawal and others like him who want to pull down the ADC.

She therefore submitted that Lawal’s resignation is a delight to those who understand the full political story.

“Several disputes and controversies that have confronted the party in recent times—from leadership disagreements involving Nafiu Bala Gombe in the North East zone, to state-level conflicts in Delta state, Adamawa state, have often been linked, directly or indirectly, to individuals like BD Lawal whose intentions were placed above the collective interests of the party.

“Today, with B.D. Lawal’s departure from the ADC, reactions have been mixed. Those unfamiliar with the internal dynamics of the party may wonder why he chose to leave. Those who have witnessed the recurring tensions and divisions associated with his political activities see his exit differently. Delight!

“For someone who tried unsuccessfully to divide ADC in Adamawa using religion as the only criterium to nominate a gubernatorial candidate, to now try to label our candidate as a religious bigot, is disgusting,” she submitted.

ADC Remains Strong

Onochie submitted that the ADC remains strong and fully behind Atiku, adding that the party is bigger than the individual aspirations of certain individuals.

She insisted that the party remains committed to Atiku and would work for victory in the 2027 elections.

“ADC remains a party that welcomes ALL Nigerians who are committed to its ideals, values, and mission. However, unity, discipline, and loyalty to the collective vision of the party must always take precedence over personal rivalries and individual ambitions.

“As the party moves forward, our focus should not be on those who have left, but on the millions of Nigerians who look to ADC as the vehicle for national renewal and responsible leadership in 2027, under the #Unifier, HE Atiku Abubakar.

“ADC is bigger than any individual. There are still a few more destabilising individuals within the ADC. Our eyes are on the ball, but we know them. We are watching them.

“The mission to support the ADC, its presidential candidate and incoming President, HE Atiku Abubakar, continues,” she concluded.