Babachir Lawal quits ADC, alleges Atiku’s primary victory was rigged

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has resigned from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alleging that the party’s recent presidential primary was manipulated in favour of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

 

Lawal announced his resignation in a statement posted on his official Facebook page on Monday, saying he could no longer remain in a party whose primary election process lacked credibility.

 

“I am exiting the ADC because its just concluded primaries were at all levels massively rigged in favour of Kachalla Abubakar Atiku,” Lawal stated.

 

He alleged that results were altered to favour Atiku and his supporters, claiming that even where voting took place, declared winners were allegedly replaced.

 

“Results were just written or rewritten to favour him and his coven. Even where they allowed some semblance of election to hold, the winners were simply replaced with members of his syndicate. In the real sense, it was a disgraceful charade,” he said.

 

Lawal added that he did not want to be associated with a political structure he believes could compromise future elections.

 

His resignation follows the ADC presidential primary held on May 25, 2026, which produced Atiku as the party’s flag bearer for the 2027 presidential election.

 

Atiku was declared winner of the contest with 1,846,370 votes, ahead of former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, who polled 504,117 votes, and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, who secured 177,120 votes.

 

The primary generated criticism from some contestants. Before the declaration of results, Hayatu-Deen distanced himself from the process, citing concerns over alleged vote manipulation and the integrity of the exercise.

 

Amaechi also raised questions about the conduct of the primary, alleging irregularities.

 

However, Hayatu-Deen later ruled out challenging the outcome after meeting with Atiku, saying he had chosen party unity and the broader goal of building a credible opposition ahead of future elections.

 

Lawal said he would consult with political associates before deciding on his next political move, while maintaining his opposition to Atiku’s presidential ambition.