112
By Oscar Okhifo
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has resigned from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), accusing the party of conducting a “massively rigged” presidential primary allegedly in favour of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
In a statement issued on Monday, Lawal said he could no longer remain in the party after what he described as a compromised and predetermined internal process.
He alleged that the presidential primary was deliberately structured to produce a fixed outcome, insisting that it lacked transparency and fairness.
“The just-concluded ADC primaries were massively rigged in favour of Atiku Abubakar and his allies,” Lawal said.
He further described the exercise as a “foregone conclusion,” arguing that genuine competition among aspirants was not allowed.
“The process was compromised from the beginning and the outcome was already decided,” he said.
Lawal expressed disappointment that the ADC, which many had considered a credible alternative platform, had allegedly replicated the same practices it often criticised in other political parties.
“It is unfortunate that a party that promised change has ended up doing the same things it condemned,” he added.
He warned that such developments could weaken public confidence in the party ahead of future elections.
Lawal, a founding member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), served in the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari as Secretary to the Government of the Federation before his removal from office over corruption allegations. He was later cleared by the court.
He also played a prominent role in early coalition discussions that eventually contributed to the emergence and strengthening of the ADC, making his sudden exit from the party particularly notable.
Against this backdrop, political observers note that there were no visible cracks between Lawal and the party leadership prior to this resignation, making the development unexpected within party circles.
Meanwhile, questions are already emerging over the political implications of his exit, particularly given that he and Atiku Abubakar both hail from Adamawa State.
Some observers are asking whether his resignation will be downplayed within the party despite its symbolic significance.
There is also growing speculation about Lawal’s next political move, though he has not indicated whether he is joining another platform or stepping back from active politics.
“For now, I am done with the ADC,” he was quoted as saying.
Atiku Abubakar recently emerged as the party’s presidential candidate following the primaries, a development now overshadowed by Lawal’s resignation and allegations.
The ADC has yet to issue an official response to the claims as of the time of filing this report.