Babachir Lawal Joins NDC After Quitting ADC

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, three months after leaving the African Democratic Congress, ADC, over allegations that its presidential primary was manipulated.

Lawal announced his move to the NDC in Abuja on Tuesday, where he was formally received by the party’s leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections. He also declared his support for the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

The former SGF said his decision was influenced by his concerns about the challenges facing Nigerians, including insecurity, hunger, poor access to education and healthcare.

Lawal called on Nigerians who are concerned about the condition of the country to support the NDC and its 2027 presidential ticket. He said he believed the party and its candidates offered an avenue for those seeking a different direction for the country.

He also expressed confidence in the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket and said he looked forward to the 2027 elections and the possibility of the NDC forming the next government.

Receiving Lawal into the party, NDC National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, described the former SGF as an experienced politician, mobiliser and activist with a long history in Nigerian politics

Dickson said Lawal’s experience would be useful to the party as it prepares for the 2027 elections. He added that the former SGF would take on a leadership role in the party’s campaign activities across the North-East.

According to the NDC leader, Lawal would be expected to coordinate campaign activities in the region, provide guidance to candidates and help address issues that may arise during the party’s preparations for the elections.

Lawal’s entry into the NDC comes about three months after his resignation from the ADC.

He had left the ADC following the party’s presidential primary, alleging that the process had been manipulated in favour of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

In his resignation statement at the time, Lawal alleged that the primary process was not properly conducted and claimed that results were changed in some areas to favour Atiku and his supporters.

He further alleged that in some locations where voting had taken place, people declared as winners were later replaced by other names.

Lawal said these concerns made it difficult for him to remain in the ADC, leading to his decision to resign from the party.

His move to the NDC now places him within the political structure backing Obi and Kwankwaso as the opposition party prepares for the 2027 general elections.