By Opeyemi Adelakun
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress, three months after leaving the African Democratic Congress over his objections to the party’s presidential primary.
Lawal announced his defection on Tuesday in Abuja after he was formally received into the opposition party by its national leadership.
The former SGF also declared his support for the NDC presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking after his reception, Lawal urged Nigerians concerned about insecurity, hunger and economic hardship to support the NDC.
“Anybody in Nigeria who has the interest of our country at heart and sympathy for the suffering that is ongoing—along with insecurity, hunger, ignorance, and disease—will have no choice but to join a party that represents the future and has Peter and Kwankwaso as their candidates,” he said.
Lawal added, “Every sensible and patriotic Nigerian ought to understand this. It is now convincing to partner with the NDC to see to the fulfillment of the noble objective of installing Obi as president and Kwankwaso as vice president. By the grace of God, we look forward to May 29, 2027, to celebrate the feat properly for the good of our country and future generations.”
Receiving Lawal into the party, NDC National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, described him as an experienced political organiser and activist whose experience would contribute to the party’s activities.
“Babachir Lawal needs no introduction. He is a former Secretary to the Government of our country who served well, but behind his official designations, he is a great mobiliser and political activist,” Dickson said.
Dickson also criticised the ruling party over what he described as its failure to fulfil its promises.
“He has seen parties that promised change but failed—parties that have taken our country from top to bottom and are now digging the ground to bury it. On behalf of the National Working Committee and our candidates, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, we welcome you,” he said.
Following Lawal’s defection, Dickson assigned him responsibility for the NDC’s campaigns across the North-East geopolitical zone.
In the role, Lawal is expected to provide strategic direction, help resolve internal disputes and support the party’s candidates across the region.
His defection comes about three months after he left the ADC, where he had protested the conduct of the party’s presidential primary.
In a statement previously published on his official Facebook page, Lawal alleged that the ADC primary process had been compromised and manipulated to favour former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
He also alleged that results were altered and that some declared winners were subsequently replaced.
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