Former SGF Babachir Lawal has defected to NDC and backed Obi-Kwankwaso ticket.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), three months after leaving the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Lawal formally joined the opposition party on Tuesday following a meeting with the NDC National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, at his residence in Abuja. His defection was subsequently announced at his unveiling as a member of the party.
The former SGF resigned from the ADC on June 1 following the emergence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate. He had previously expressed support for a potential Peter Obi-Rabiu Kwankwaso ticket ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
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Lawal also supported Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election when Obi contested under the Labour Party.
Speaking after he was received into the NDC, Lawal said his decision was driven by concerns over the challenges confronting the country, including insecurity, hunger, 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.
He said joining the NDC would enable him to contribute to the party’s objective of supporting the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket.
“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,” Lawal said.
He expressed confidence that the political project would lead to what he described as a new direction for Nigeria.
“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,” he added.
Lawal’s move comes amid opposition realignment
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that Lawal’s defection comes as political realignments continue ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the NDC already presenting Peter Obi as its presidential candidate and Rabiu Kwankwaso as his running mate.
NDC National Leader Seriake Dickson described Lawal as an experienced political mobiliser whose experience would be valuable to the party, particularly in the North-East. He said Lawal would oversee campaign activities in the region and provide guidance to candidates and party members.
Lawal had previously been involved in opposition coalition discussions before his resignation from the ADC. In announcing his departure from the party, he alleged that its presidential primary process had been manipulated to favour Atiku Abubakar, a claim surrounding the internal party process.
His latest move further reshapes the political landscape ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
