Babachir Lawal Accuses Atiku of ADC Primary Rigging

Babachir Lawal, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, accused Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), of rigging the ADC presidential primaries. In an interview with Trust TV, Lawal claimed that votes intended for other presidential aspirants were swapped to benefit Atiku, prompting his exit from the party.

Lawal had supported Hayatu-Deen, whom he regarded as the most capable candidate. He participated in forming a seven-member committee for the primaries and believed Hayatu-Deen would win, as he had also secured victory in Lawal's state.

However, during the results collation, Lawal alleged that votes for Hayatu-Deen were credited to Atiku. When he raised concerns about the alleged manipulation, he was reportedly told that the party could not afford to disgrace Atiku.

Lawal's protests were dismissed by some party members, leading him to leave the ADC due to the alleged electoral fraud.