Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir Lawal joins the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) after leaving the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Multiple outlets report he announces his defection in Abuja on Tuesday, following meetings with prominent NDC figures, and publicly supports the party’s intended presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso for the 2027 elections.
The reports say Lawal resigned from the ADC about three months earlier, citing his objection to the emergence of Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate. Several sources link his exit to allegations that the ADC presidential primary was manipulated, with results reportedly altered. Vanguard and others describe the timing as roughly three months after he left the ADC.
Different outlets emphasize different details of the lead-up and reception: some highlight his meeting with NDC National Leader Senator Seriake Dickson at Dickson’s Abuja residence, while others focus more on Lawal’s stated campaign posture and the North-East leadership role assigned to him within the NDC. Overall, the sources agree on the defection, the reasons for leaving the ADC, and his support for Obi–Kwankwaso for 2027.
