NIGERIA: Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), months after leaving the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over the emergence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate.
Lawal announced his move to the NDC on Tuesday after meeting with the party’s National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, at the senator’s residence in Abuja.
The former SGF resigned his membership of the ADC on June 1 following Atiku’s emergence as the party’s presidential candidate.
Before his latest political move, Lawal had indicated his willingness to support a Peter Obi-Kwankwaso presidential ticket if Obi returned from his political sabbatical.
Lawal also backed Obi during the 2023 presidential election when the former Anambra State governor contested under the Labour Party.
Explaining his decision to join the NDC, Lawal said Nigerians concerned about the country’s worsening challenges would have no option but to support a political platform offering what he described as a better future.
He said, “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.
“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.”
Lawal’s defection adds to the growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general election, with opposition figures moving between political platforms and aligning with emerging presidential arrangements.
