Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has resigned from the African Democratic Congress, alleging that the party’s recent primaries were manipulated in favour of Atiku Abubakar.
In a statement posted on Facebook on Monday, Lawal said he could no longer remain in the party, claiming the primary elections were “massively rigged” to benefit Atiku and his supporters. He alleged that results were altered and, in some cases, winners were replaced after voting.
The former SGF described the exercise as a “disgraceful charade” and said he was unwilling to be associated with a political structure that could influence future elections in a similar manner.
His resignation follows controversy surrounding the ADC presidential primary of May 25, which produced Atiku as the party’s flagbearer with 1,846,370 votes. Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen finished second and third respectively.
While both Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen previously raised concerns about the conduct of the primary, Hayatu-Deen later ruled out challenging the outcome, citing party unity and the need to build a credible opposition. Lawal said he would consult political associates on his next move while continuing to oppose Atiku’s presidential ambition.
