Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has resigned from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing what he described as widespread manipulation and irregularities during the party’s recently concluded primary elections.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, Lawal accused the party leadership of orchestrating a “massively rigged” exercise designed to favour former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and his political associates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The ADC recently conducted nationwide direct primaries to select candidates for governorship, National Assembly, and state legislative elections. The party also held its presidential primary, where Atiku emerged victorious after polling 1,846,370 votes. Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi secured 504,117 votes, while businessman and former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen garnered 177,120 votes.

However, the outcome immediately generated controversy as both Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen rejected the results and boycotted the official declaration ceremony held in Abuja.

‘A Disgraceful Charade’

Lawal, who shares political roots with Atiku in Adamawa State, alleged that the primaries were manipulated at every level to guarantee victory for the former vice-president and his loyalists.

Expressing disappointment over what he termed the silence of party members, Lawal said many within the ADC appeared willing to accept what he regarded as blatant electoral malpractice.

“I sense a conspiracy of silence of which I want no part. Most members of the party are behaving as if this is the normal thing to do,” he stated.

According to him, even in locations where elections were conducted, the outcomes were allegedly altered to favour candidates linked to Atiku’s political camp.

“Even where they allowed some semblance of election to hold, the winners were simply replaced with members of his syndicate. In the real sense, it was a disgraceful charade,” he alleged.

Rejects Participation in Alleged Rigging Plot

The former SGF said his decision to leave the ADC was informed by his refusal to be associated with any political process he believes undermines democratic principles.

Lawal argued that supporting Atiku’s presidential ambition in 2027 would effectively hand President Bola Ahmed Tinubu an easy path to re-election.

“I do not want to be part of any rigging arrangement. Working for Atiku is tantamount to giving Tinubu an automatic ticket to a second term, and that gives me nightmares,” he said.

Tinubu Better Than Atiku, Says Lawal

In one of the most striking parts of his statement, Lawal asserted that despite his criticisms of the current administration, President Tinubu would ultimately prove to be a better leader than Atiku.

He described the former vice-president as lacking the competence and leadership qualities required to govern Nigeria effectively, declaring that he would actively work against Atiku’s presidential bid in the next election cycle.

The development marks a significant political rupture between two prominent northern politicians who were once regarded as allies. It also adds to the growing tensions within the ADC following disputes surrounding its presidential primary process.

With the 2027 elections gradually taking shape, Lawal’s resignation and public criticism of Atiku are expected to fuel fresh debates over internal democracy within opposition parties and the prospects of forming a united front against the ruling administration.

Political observers believe the fallout could further deepen divisions within the ADC and complicate efforts by opposition forces seeking to challenge President Tinubu’s anticipated re-election campaign in 2027.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains fully committed to addressing the nation’s challenges, revealing that he often works late into the night and sometimes does not go to bed until 3:00 a.m.

Speaking over the weekend during an engagement with traditional rulers at Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado-Ekiti, as part of her one-day working visit to Ekiti State, the First Lady assured Nigerians that the President is dedicating his time and energy to ensuring effective governance and delivering on his administration’s promises.

According to Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the President’s demanding schedule reflects his determination to tackle critical national issues and improve the welfare of citizens.

“I can assure you, we don’t have Mondays or Sundays. The President is working round the clock to get this matter resolved. At times, Mr President will sleep at 3:00 a.m., and God has been faithful,” she said.

The First Lady noted that the administration remains focused on finding lasting solutions to the country’s challenges, stressing that President Tinubu continues to make sacrifices in the service of the nation.

She urged Nigerians to remain patient and supportive of the government’s efforts, expressing confidence that ongoing reforms and policies would ultimately yield positive results for the country.

The visit to Ekiti State formed part of Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s engagements aimed at strengthening collaboration with key stakeholders and promoting initiatives designed to improve the lives of Nigerians. During the meeting, traditional rulers commended the administration’s efforts and pledged their continued support for national development.

The First Lady reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering peace, stability, and economic growth, assuring citizens that President Tinubu remains steadfast in his resolve to build a better future for Nigeria.

Ovie Omo-Agege, former deputy senate president and chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has formally resigned his membership of the party, citing irreconcilable political differences and developments within the Delta State chapter of the APC.

In a resignation letter dated May 22 and addressed to the chairman of APC Orogun Ward 2 in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Omo-Agege announced that his resignation takes immediate effect.

The former senator, who represented Delta Central in the National Assembly and served as Deputy President of the 9th Senate, said his decision followed extensive consultations with political associates, supporters, and stakeholders across the state.

According to him, recent developments within the APC in Delta State made it difficult for him to effectively pursue the political aspirations of both himself and his constituents.

“After reviewing recent developments in the party in Delta State and consulting with my associates and supporters, it is clear my political objectives and those of my constituents are better served outside the APC,” Omo-Agege stated.

He further declared that he would not remain in a political platform where he could no longer advance the interests of Delta Central, Delta State, and Nigeria at large.

“I will not remain a sitting duck in a party where I cannot advance the interests of Delta Central, Delta State and Nigeria,” he added.

Despite his departure, Omo-Agege expressed gratitude to the APC for the opportunity to serve in one of the highest legislative offices in the country.

“I thank the party for the opportunity to serve as Deputy President of the 9th Senate,” he said, while requesting that his name be removed from all party membership records, registers, and communication platforms.

In a separate statement issued by his media adviser, Sunday Areh, the former deputy senate president reaffirmed his commitment to the development of Delta Central and the broader interests of Delta State, stressing that his political mission would continue outside the APC.

“My focus remains on delivering development and effective representation for Delta Central, Delta State, and Nigeria. I will pursue these goals outside the APC,” the statement read.

Omo-Agege’s exit is expected to reshape the political landscape in Delta State ahead of future political alignments and electoral activities, especially given his influence within the APC structure in the South-South region.