Babachir Lawal Accuses NDC Candidates of Sabotage

Babachir David Lawal, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has publicly responded to six gubernatorial candidates from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) who protested his joining the party and his appointment as its leader in the North Eastern Zone. In a statement released on September 28, 2026, Lawal accused the opposition of being coordinated by a woman he referred to as a "female pretender" for the governorship ticket, later clarifying he meant Senator Aisha.

He revealed that two candidates, Professor Mohammed Sani Yahaya and Dr Babayo Ardo, claimed their names were included in the protest without their consent. Lawal stated that his appointment was initiated by the NDC national leadership, including Senator Dickson, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, and he accepted the role in good faith.

He alleged that some protesting candidates were working to sabotage the Obi/Kwankwaso ticket for the 2027 elections and urged NDC supporters to focus on party unity and victory.