Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal has launched a scathing critique of Atiku Abubakar’s presidential ambition and the African Democratic Congress’s handling of its Adamawa State governorship primary. In a post on his verified Facebook page titled “Kachalla Series Three,” Lawal described Atiku’s candidacy as a “cheap product” and alleged that the ADC replaced its elected governorship candidate under pressure from the former vice president.
Lawal wrote that Umar Suleiman won the ADC’s Adamawa governorship primary but was subsequently substituted with Tukur Moddibo. He attributed the change to ethnic considerations and claimed Atiku influenced the decision. “As the story goes on the streets in the state, APC donated its gubernatorial candidate to the state having purchased him from TEMU the cheap online market place, and it appears that the ADC too has just done likewise, aside giving to the nation a presidential candidate that looks more like he too was a cheap product from TEMU,” Lawal stated.
The former SGF extended his criticism to the ruling All Progressives Congress, suggesting its gubernatorial candidate in Adamawa was similarly sourced from the discount online marketplace. He accused Atiku of consistently favouring candidates based on ethnic and religious affiliations rather than merit or democratic process.
Lawal’s remarks underscore persistent concerns about internal party democracy and the influence of powerful political figures in candidate selection across Nigeria’s major parties. The ADC has not issued a public response to the allegations regarding its primary process. Atiku’s camp has not commented on the specific claims of interference in the Adamawa governorship race.
The intervention by Lawal, a former ally of President Muhammadu Buhari who later became a critic of the administration, adds another layer to the ongoing discourse about political godfatherism and the transparency of party primaries in Nigeria. Observers note that such public disputes often reflect deeper fractures within the political elite ahead of electoral cycles.