Babachir Lawal Claims Easy Access to Tinubu for Funds

Babachir Lawal, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, stated in an interview that if he needed money, he would contact President Bola Tinubu, asserting that Tinubu would provide financial support. Lawal denied allegations that he received funds to mobilize support for Hayatu Deen, a presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), during the party's recent primary elections.

He criticized the primary process, claiming it was manipulated to favor Atiku Abubakar, which he argued compromised the opposition's ability to defeat Tinubu in the upcoming elections. Lawal also accused elements within Atiku's camp of promoting ethnic and religious agendas, which he believes negatively impacts national unity.

In response, Atiku's spokesman, Paul Ib, countered Lawal's claims, asserting that the accusations were attempts to influence the primary outcome. The ADC primary elections took place in April, where Atiku secured the party's ticket, defeating Rotimi Amaechi and Hayatu Deen across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory.