By Peace Udugba
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal, has launched a fresh attack on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, accusing him of being disconnected from the realities facing ordinary Nigerians and questioning his suitability for national leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Lawal made the remarks during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, where he spoke on opposition realignments, coalition politics and internal party disputes.
His comments come barely a day after his resignation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing what he described as widespread irregularities during the party’s recent presidential primary. Lawal alleged that the process was manipulated to favour Atiku and said he could not remain part of what he termed a “rigging machine.”
Speaking during the interview, Lawal insisted that his criticisms were based on leadership concerns rather than personal grievances. According to him, Nigerians deserve leaders who demonstrate empathy and maintain visible engagement with communities affected by insecurity and economic hardship.
He argued that Atiku has failed to show sufficient public concern for victims of insurgency and violent attacks across the country.
“Have you ever seen Atiku pay condolence visits to communities ravaged by insurgency? Have you ever heard him condemn Boko Haram killings? This man is completely detached from what is bothering Nigerians,” Lawal said.
The former SGF maintained that leadership requires more than political ambition, stressing that citizens expect leaders to identify with their struggles during periods of national crisis.
Lawal also criticised opposition coalition politics, arguing that many alliances collapse because they are driven by personal ambition rather than shared ideology or national interest.
According to him, politicians often unite under coalition platforms with the sole objective of securing presidential tickets and quickly abandon such arrangements when their ambitions appear threatened.
“All Nigerian politicians seem to join coalitions just to become the sole candidate. Once it becomes clear that they may not emerge, they begin looking for alternatives,” he said.
Reflecting on the formation of the ADC coalition, Lawal said he joined the movement because he believed it could provide a credible alternative to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. However, he claimed that internal disagreements and struggles over candidacy eventually weakened the alliance.
The former SGF also raised concerns about internal party democracy, accusing some political parties of manipulating delegate counts and imposing consensus candidates without transparent electoral processes.
On potential opposition candidates for 2027, Lawal assessed several political figures, including Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammad Hayatu-Deen.
While expressing reservations about Amaechi’s national appeal and noting uncertainties surrounding Obi’s role in coalition negotiations, Lawal described Hayatu-Deen as the most competent among the aspirants he considered, citing his corporate and economic experience.
Lawal further questioned the composition of Atiku’s political support network, arguing that Nigerians should scrutinise the diversity and inclusiveness of the alliances surrounding those seeking the presidency.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to prioritise competence, national unity and genuine engagement with citizens when evaluating potential leaders, warning that failure to do so could further weaken public trust in democratic institutions and governance.
