2027: Babachir Lawal Urges ADC to Replace Atiku with Younger Candidate

A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has advised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to reconsider its choice of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its 2027 presidential candidate, advocating for a younger and more "vibrant" flagbearer.**

As political maneuvering for the 2027 general elections intensifies, Babachir Lawal, a prominent Northern politician and former SGF, has called on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to lead a generational shift in leadership if it hopes to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement made on Sunday, Lawal suggested that while Atiku Abubakar remains a heavyweight in Nigerian politics, the current political climate demands a candidate with the energy and fresh perspective required to match the rigors of a modern campaign and governance.

“The ADC must be strategic if it wants to be the platform that rescues Nigeria in 2027,” Lawal stated. “Atiku Abubakar has played his part as an elder statesman, but for the next election, the party needs to look toward a younger, more vibrant candidate who can galvanize the youth and offer a new vision for the country.”

Lawal’s remarks come at a time when the ADC is positioning itself as a major "third force" in Nigerian politics, following Atiku’s recent move to the party from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The former SGF argued that the opposition must present a candidate who can contrast sharply with the incumbent administration of President Bola Tinubu. He emphasized that the electorate, particularly the younger demographic, is increasingly looking for leaders who are not tied to the "old guard" of the political establishment.

“To defeat the APC, the opposition cannot afford to do business as usual,” Lawal added. “A younger candidate would not only bring physical vigor but would also symbolize a break from the past, which is what many Nigerians are currently yearning for.”

Lawal, who was a key figure in the "Northern Christian leaders" group during the 2023 elections, has remained a vocal critic of the current administration’s policies. His advice to the ADC underscores the ongoing debate within the opposition camp regarding the best strategy to consolidate votes across the country’s diverse geopolitical zones.

While the ADC has not officially responded to Lawal’s suggestion, party insiders indicate that the leadership remains focused on building a broad-based coalition. However, Lawal’s call for a "fresher face" is expected to spark further discussions among the party’s stakeholders as they finalize their 2027 roadmap.

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