‘Five Governors, Ministers Want Me To Join APC’ – Babachir Lawal

A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has said no fewer than five governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) reached out to him after his resignation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Lawal disclosed this in an interview with Sunday Punch, days after leaving the ADC over alleged manipulation of the party’s presidential primary in favour of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

The former SGF said several political parties and APC leaders contacted him after he left the ADC.

Lawal stated, “There are about five political parties that called me on Wednesday, saying they would hand over their platforms to me if I wanted.

“If you hear the calibre of people who have called to commend me, you won’t believe it. As we speak, about five or six APC governors, who are my friends, have reached out and asked, ‘Oga, are you coming back home now?’”

Lawal, however, said he was not considering returning to the APC because the issues that made him leave the party had not changed.

He further stated, “I can confidently tell you that about five serving governors have reached out to me, but I am not considering a return at this moment.

“Even some ministers wanted to know if I would consider returning to the APC. I told them no because the problem that made me leave the APC is still there.

“There is no point returning if nothing has changed. What progress have I made if I go back to meet the same issues?”

‘I’ve Returned To My Farm’

Lawal said he was in no hurry to join another political party.

According to him, he had temporarily withdrawn from active politics and returned to his village farm.

He said, “I have returned to my village farm for now. I don’t understand what you mean by asking about my next political destination. Was I born a politician? Must I remain in politics forever?

“I have no relationship with any of these crooked politicians. We all met in Abuja and now I have left Abuja for them.

“My father was not a politician. I didn’t inherit politics from anybody. I found my way into politics and I can leave it whenever I choose.”

‘I Never Betrayed Atiku’

The former SGF dismissed criticisms from Atiku’s supporters and ADC members who accused him of betraying the party.

He said he was not bothered by reactions trailing his resignation.

Lawal further stated, “I don’t have time to read or listen to any of that rubbish. It doesn’t concern me. Are those attacking me not from the same camp?

“They are angry because I want to scatter their jihadist plot. They should ask Bola Tinubu about me. Who are they?”

Asked whether his exit amounted to a betrayal of Atiku, Lawal said he had never been in the former Vice-President’s political camp.

He added, “What do you mean by betraying Atiku? We have never been in the same camp.

“Forget what his boys are saying. Once I return to Abuja and start speaking again, they will panic and begin defending themselves as usual. I am enjoying my comfort zone for now, but if they want a fight, I will give them one.”