Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has become the “light” that former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal says he has finally seen. Lawal made these remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s “The Verdict 2023” on Friday night, when asked why he abandoned the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the Labour Party.
Lawal explained that he repented from “the darkness” of the old system that had governed Nigeria, which he believes is represented by both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He said the two parties are essentially the same, with “the same people, the same agbada, the same red‑face cap,” and that they continue to embody darkness. “I’ve seen the light; you can repent when you see the light,” he declared, adding that Peter Obi is that light. “The darkness is the old system that used to govern us, represented by both the PDP and the APC. No change. Same people, same agbada, same red‑face cap. So Nigerians have seen the light, not only me.”
Commenting on the state of governance under the ruling APC, Lawal argued that many decisions are beyond the President’s control. He noted that every government has an inner caucus and that those who have the President’s ear often fail to implement his or the public’s expectations. Referring to President Muhammadu Buhari, Lawal said that before Buhari’s election in 2015 he demonstrated strong leadership as governor of Borno State, Minister of Petroleum, and military head of state. However, Buhari has struggled with “lieutenants” who do not follow his orders, leading to a disconnect between presidential directives and their execution. Lawal concluded that this internal discord is a key factor in the current governance challenges.
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