The battle lines have been drawn in Nigeria’s opposition camp as former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, dramatically resigned from the African Democratic Congress, alleging the party’s presidential primary was “massively rigged” in favor of Atiku Abubakar. In a blistering statement, Lawal accused Atiku and his allies of orchestrating a conspiracy of silence, replacing legitimate winners with members of his syndicate. “I am exiting the ADC because its just concluded primaries were at all levels massively rigged in favour of Kachalla Abubakar Atiku,” Lawal declared, signaling a deepening rift within the party.
Atiku’s camp fired back, labeling Lawal a “notorious conflict entrepreneur” whose allegations were baseless and driven by personal animosity. The Atiku Media Office dismissed claims of religious bigotry or nepotism as “the laziest and most ridiculous lies,” insisting the former vice president is one of Nigeria’s most liberal politicians. “Babachir was perfectly describing his own character rather than Atiku’s,” the statement read, accusing Lawal of dividing Nigerians along primordial lines for selfish gain.
The war of words escalated as Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, challenged Lawal to produce evidence of manipulation, stating the primaries were conducted across thousands of wards with a clear outcome. “He has produced no documents, no verifiable facts, no credible witnesses, and no proof whatsoever,” Shaibu said, urging Lawal to search his conscience and stop spreading division.
Meanwhile, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, launched a scathing attack on Atiku and Peter Obi, calling them hypocrites who cannot offer Nigeria better democratic alternatives. Speaking at his monthly media briefing, Wike pointed to the controversies surrounding opposition primaries as evidence of their internal contradictions. “They said they are the saviours who will come and rescue Nigeria. What has happened now? They told Nigerians they were the new face of democracy, but what we have seen is allegations of irregularities and protests over congresses and primaries,” Wike declared.
Wike took particular aim at Obi, accusing him of avoiding struggle and preferring a “food is ready” politics. He also dismissed calls for former President Goodluck Jonathan’s candidacy, insisting Senator Sandy Onor is the PDP’s only recognized presidential candidate for 2027. Wike urged police to arrest those projecting Jonathan’s candidacy, warning against any breach of peace in the FCT.
