By Lizzy Chirkpi
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), barely three months after his controversial exit from the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Lawal formally joined the opposition party on Tuesday in Abuja, where he also endorsed its presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 general elections.
His defection is coming with a strategic role within the party, particularly in its efforts to strengthen its structures and mobilisation networks across northern Nigeria.
NDC National Leader and former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, said Lawal would take a leadership role in the party’s operations and campaign activities in the North-East, while also providing guidance and oversight in the North-Central zone.
Receiving Lawal at his Abuja residence, Dickson described the former SGF as an experienced political organiser and mobiliser with extensive contacts across the country.
“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,” Dickson said.
He said the party would rely on Lawal’s political experience to strengthen its operations in the region.
“We are pleased to have you play a leadership role that only you can play at those levels. You will oversee the activities of the NDC and our campaigns in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria,” Dickson said.
“We count on you, therefore, to help resolve issues, give guidance and direction to the activities of all our candidates and our campaigns in those zones.”
Lawal’s latest move follows his resignation from the ADC in June, after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerged as the party’s presidential candidate.
In his resignation statement, Lawal alleged that the ADC presidential primary had been manipulated in favour of Atiku, claiming that results were altered and some declared winners were replaced.
Atiku’s camp rejected the allegations, maintaining that the primary reflected the will of party members.
Following his departure from the ADC, Lawal had indicated that he was considering withdrawing from active politics. His decision to join the NDC, however, marks a return to frontline opposition politics as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.
Explaining his decision, Lawal cited what he described as the worsening conditions confronting Nigerians, including insecurity, hunger, poverty, ignorance and disease.
“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 said.
Lawal said he was convinced that partnering with the NDC would advance what he described as the objective of producing Obi as president and Kwankwaso as vice president.
“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,” he said.
He added, “By the grace of God, we look forward to May 29, 2027, to celebrate the feat properly for the good of the country and the future of generations yet unborn.”
Lawal had previously expressed support for an Obi-Kwankwaso arrangement if the two politicians reached an agreement to work together.
His latest move comes amid ongoing realignment among opposition political forces ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with several parties and political actors exploring possible alliances and consensus arrangements.
Lawal served as SGF under former President Muhammadu Buhari before leaving office in 2017. He later became a critic of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and resigned from the party in 2025.