By John Azu
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has threatened to institute legal action against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over the alleged substitution of the party’s 2027 governorship candidate in Adamawa State.
Lawal said he was prepared for a legal battle over the alleged breach of due process and the rule of law in the replacement of Engr. Umar Suleiman, who he said emerged as the winner of the party’s governorship primary.
The former SGF spoke on Monday following the confirmation of the replacement of Suleiman with Tukur Moddibo as the ADC’s governorship candidate for the 2027 election in Adamawa.
In a statement, Lawal accused Atiku and the ADC leadership of unlawfully removing Suleiman after his emergence from the party’s primary and replacing him with Moddibo.
He alleged that the decision contravened the Electoral Act 2026, the ADC Constitution and the party’s Primary Elections Guidelines, adding that the matter would ultimately be determined by the courts.
“Certainly, the unlawful act will fail woefully. Atiku’s contempt for the rule of law will cost ADC victory in the Adamawa governorship election in 2027,” he said.
Lawal said Suleiman, whom he described as a Kilba Muslim from Hong Local Government Area, won the ADC governorship primary by a wide margin and was expected to be presented by the party as its candidate for the general election.
He, however, alleged that rumours that Atiku preferred Moddibo, whom he described as a Fulani Muslim from Fufore Local Government Area, had now materialised with the submission of Moddibo’s name.
“The rumour has now transformed into reality; it is Tukur Moddibo’s name that was uploaded. Contrary to common sense, equity and justice, the ADC’s national leadership has succumbed to uncommon pressure from Atiku and some of his associates and replaced Engr. Umar Suleiman with Tukur Moddibo in a move that is devoid of logic and justice,” Lawal said.
The former SGF maintained that the alleged substitution violated the party’s internal rules and relevant electoral provisions, insisting that the matter would be challenged through the appropriate legal channels.
He warned that the controversy could have serious consequences for the ADC’s prospects in the 2027 Adamawa governorship election.