Babachir Lawal, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has resigned from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), accusing party officials of manipulating the just-concluded primaries.
In a statement released on Monday, Lawal explained that his decision followed serious concerns about how the party selected its candidate(s) ahead of the next election cycle. According to him, the primaries were not conducted in a free and fair manner. He alleged that the process was “massively rigged,” suggesting that the outcome had been predetermined and that other aspirants were not given a genuine chance.
Lawal’s resignation marks a major political development within the ADC, particularly because he is a prominent figure with extensive government experience. His public criticism of the party’s internal process increases pressure on ADC leadership to respond to the allegations and to clarify how the primaries were conducted.
A central element of Lawal’s claim is that the alleged rigging benefited former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. By linking the alleged irregularities to Atiku’s emergence through the ADC process, Lawal signaled that his dispute is not only about procedure, but also about the legitimacy of the party’s direction and candidate selection.
The resignation also underscores wider concerns that have periodically emerged within Nigerian party politics—namely, allegations that internal contests are influenced by party machines, money, and behind-the-scenes arrangements rather than transparent competition. Lawal’s statement elevates these concerns by coming from a high-profile former top government official.
While the statement centers on the primaries and their alleged manipulation, Lawal’s departure from the ADC may have broader implications for the party’s cohesion and public image. Internal disputes of this nature can affect membership morale, weaken public confidence, and potentially influence how supporters perceive the party’s ability to conduct credible political processes beyond primaries.
Lawal’s action comes at a time when Nigeria’s major parties and their smaller counterparts continue to face intense scrutiny over candidate emergence, party congresses, and the conduct of elections. When prominent insiders publicly challenge a primary process, it can trigger additional reactions from other stakeholders—such as party officials, rival aspirants, and civil society groups interested in electoral fairness.
It also sets up the likelihood of further political consequences. If the allegations gain traction, ADC leadership could face demands for investigations, explanations, or possible internal review of the primaries. Rival aspirants may also use Lawal’s claims to support their own grievances, while supporters of Atiku may respond defensively to protect the legitimacy of his emergence.
Atiku Abubakar has been a central figure in Nigeria’s opposition politics for years, and any controversy surrounding candidate selection—especially when tied to a claim of rigging—can carry significant political weight. Lawal’s assertion that the primaries were manipulated in Atiku’s favor could shape media narratives and public debate, as well as influence how voters interpret the ADC’s candidate choice.
For now, the primary focus remains Lawal’s resignation and his assertion that the ADC primaries were “massively rigged.” His claim provides a clear, specific accusation rather than a vague dissatisfaction, and it directly links the alleged misconduct to the outcome of the party’s selection process.
In summary, Babachir Lawal has withdrawn from the African Democratic Congress after accusing the party of rigging its just-concluded primaries, claiming the manipulation was in favor of Atiku Abubakar. The resignation is likely to intensify scrutiny of the ADC’s internal procedures and could lead to further political reactions as the party confronts the legitimacy concerns raised by a high-profile former government official. Source: TheCable
TheCable: BREAKING: Babachir Lawal quits ADC, says primaries ‘massively rigged’ for Atiku Babachir Lawal, former secretary of the government of the federation, has resigned from the African Democratic Congress (ADC). In a statement issued on Monday, Lawal alleged that the just-concluded. #breaking
— @thecableng May 1, 2026
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