Atiku Wins ADC Primaries Amid Criticism from Lawal

Atiku Abubakar emerged as the winner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primaries, securing 1,846,370 votes, surpassing former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and businessman Moham Hayatu-Deen, who received 504,117 and 177,120 votes, respectively. Following the primaries, Babachir Lawal, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, announced his resignation from the ADC, criticizing the election process as rigged in favor of Atiku.

Lawal's statements on social media accused Atiku of influencing the outcomes of the primaries, which he claimed were manipulated. In response, Atiku's camp, represented by senior special assistant Phrank Shaibu, dismissed Lawal's allegations as baseless and an attempt to malign the party without evidence.

Shaibu emphasized that the primaries were conducted fairly and reflected the true will of ADC members. He also pointed out Lawal's past controversies, including his removal from office in 2017 due to the grass-cutting contract scandal, questioning his credibility in criticizing the electoral process.