Babachir Lawal Resigns from ADC, Accuses Party of Rigging

Babachir Lawal, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, announced his resignation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Monday, citing alleged manipulation of the presidential primaries that favored Atiku Abubakar. Lawal claimed that the electoral process was marred by widespread irregularities, asserting that the results were altered to benefit Atiku, who received 1,846,370 votes, defeating Rotimi Amaechi and businessman Moham Hayatu-Deen.

In response, Atiku's media team, represented by Senior Special Assistant Phrank Shaibu, dismissed Lawal's allegations as baseless and motivated by disappointment over the primary outcome. Shaibu emphasized that Lawal failed to provide evidence for his claims and criticized his public record, referencing controversies during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The ADC's primaries were conducted across numerous wards, producing a clear outcome, which Lawal's resignation and accusations threaten to undermine as the party prepares for the 2027 elections.