Ex-SGF quits ADC over “conspiracy of silence”, warns backing Atiku will help Tinubu win 2027
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal has resigned from the African Democratic Congress, ADC, accusing the party of manipulating its just-concluded primaries to favour ex-VP Atiku Abubakar.
Lawal announced his exit Monday June 1, 2026, saying the exercise was “massively rigged at all levels” and left him with no choice but to leave.
—“I want no part in this conspiracy of silence”—
“I am exiting the ADC because its just concluded primaries were at all levels massively rigged in favour of Kachalla Abubakar Atiku,” Lawal stated.
He said legitimate winners were sidelined and replaced by preferred candidates loyal to Atiku, undermining the party’s internal democracy.
Lawal also slammed ADC members for keeping quiet: “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.”
—2027 warning: Backing Atiku helps Tinubu—
The ex-SGF declared he will not support Atiku’s 2027 presidential ambition.
He argued that rallying behind Atiku would weaken efforts to unseat President Bola Tinubu and “ultimately benefit the ruling APC.”
Lawal questioned the judgement of politicians supporting Atiku, raising doubts about the former VP’s suitability for Nigeria’s highest office.
He said the North shouldprioritise “competence and effective leadership” to tackle insecurity and economic hardship instead.
—Politics on pause—
Lawal announced he will temporarily withdraw from active politics while consulting associates on future strategy.
His exit comes as ADC faces internal fallout after primaries.
In a related development, Hayatu-Deen accepted the ADC primaries result after meeting Atiku and ruled out a court challenge.
