Babachir Lawal Joins NDC Three Months After Resigning From ADC

A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has officially pitched his tent with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) just three months after walking away from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over claims that its presidential primary was rigged.

Lawal made his defection public in Abuja, throwing his weight behind the opposition party’s presidential ticket featuring Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso as the country eyes the 2027 general elections.

Explaining his move, he noted that citizens burdened by ongoing economic hardship and insecurity must rally behind a political platform looking toward the future.

He stated, “Anybody in Nigeria who has the interest of our country at heart and sympathy for the suffering that is ongoing in our country, along with insecurity, hunger, ignorance and disease, will have no choice but to join a party that represents the future and have Peter and Kwankwaso as their candidates.”

He further added, “Every sensible and patriotic Nigerian ought to understand this. It is now convincing to partner with the NDC to see to the fulfilment of the very noble objective of installing Obi as the president and Kwankwaso as vice president. So, by the grace of God, we look forward to May 29, 2027, to celebrate the feat properly for the good of the country, and future of generations yet unborn.”

Welcoming him to the fold, NDC National Leader Senator Seriake Dickson praised the former SGF as a formidable political strategist with deep grassroot mobilization skills.

Dickson remarked, “Babachir Lawal does not need any introduction. He was the former secretary to the government of our country, who did well. But behind the official designations that are known, what is not known is that he’s a great mobiliser. He’s actually some sort of political activist also.”

He continued, “He has seen it all and seen parties that were promising but failed to deliver on the promised change. These are parties that have taken our country from top to bottom, and now they are even digging the ground to bury the country. On behalf of the national working committee and our candidates, Peter Obi and his running mate, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, we welcome you.”

Lawal has been handed the mantle to direct party operations and election campaigns across the North-Eastern region.

The veteran politician’s exit from the ADC stemmed from intense grievances regarding the party’s primary process, which he previously asserted was compromised to favour former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

In a statement shared via his social media handles, he maintained that the primary was deeply flawed, alleging that vote tallies were manipulated and legitimate winners were unlawfully substituted.