Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has renewed his criticism of the emergence of Atiku Abubakar as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, urging the party to replace him if it hopes to stand a realistic chance in the 2027 presidential election.
Lawal made his position known in a statement posted on his official Facebook account on Saturday, days after he resigned from the ADC over allegations that the party’s primary process was manipulated in favour of Atiku and his political associates.
The former SGF said Nigerians have a duty to closely examine the character, competence and leadership qualities of anyone seeking to become president, insisting that no aspirant should be exempt from public scrutiny.
His latest remarks add another chapter to the growing debate within opposition political circles as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
According to Lawal, citizens must be free to question those seeking the nation’s highest office and assess whether they possess the qualities required to lead Nigeria through its economic, political and security challenges.
“No, it is my right to interrogate the character and competence of someone who seeks to be my President. He is free to step down his ambition if he does not want to be so queried,” Lawal stated.
He went further by advising the ADC leadership to consider presenting another candidate before the electoral timetable closes.
“Indeed, I would urge ADC to replace this man with a more qualified candidate if they want to have any hope of winning the presidential election before INEC timetable runs out on them,” he added.
Lawal’s comments come shortly after his resignation from the ADC, a development that attracted attention across the political landscape.
The former SGF had alleged that the party’s primary election process was tilted in favour of Atiku and his supporters. He claimed that the process did not provide a level playing field for other aspirants and stakeholders within the party.
His resignation was viewed by many political observers as a sign of internal disagreements within the ADC at a time when opposition parties are seeking to strengthen their structures ahead of the next election cycle.
Atiku, a former vice president and one of Nigeria’s most prominent opposition figures, has contested the presidency multiple times under different political platforms. He was the presidential candidate of the opposition in previous elections and remains a major figure in national politics.
Supporters of the former vice president argue that his experience in government, business and politics makes him one of the most qualified politicians in the country. They also point to his long-standing involvement in national affairs and his ability to attract support across different regions.
However, critics have questioned whether he remains the best option for opposition parties seeking to challenge the ruling establishment in 2027.
Lawal’s latest intervention reflects concerns among some political actors who believe opposition parties need fresh faces and new ideas if they hope to convince Nigerians to support them at the polls.
The former SGF has in recent months become increasingly vocal about the need for political parties to focus on competence, integrity and national appeal when selecting candidates for public office.
Although the 2027 presidential election is still some time away, discussions around possible candidates, party alliances and coalition arrangements have already begun to shape the political conversation across the country.
The ADC has recently attracted attention as one of the platforms seeking to expand its national presence and position itself as a strong alternative in future elections.
However, internal disagreements and disputes over leadership and candidate selection could pose challenges if not properly managed.
Lawal’s remarks may therefore fuel further debate within the ADC over its strategy, leadership direction and preparations for the 2027 contest.
Meanwhile, supporters of Atiku maintain that he remains a formidable political figure with significant national recognition and experience. They argue that his political profile could help the party attract wider support across the country.
The controversy also highlights the broader question of leadership succession within opposition politics and whether established political figures or younger candidates should lead future electoral campaigns.
As political activities gradually intensify ahead of 2027, Nigerians are expected to witness more discussions, endorsements and criticisms involving leading aspirants and political parties.