How I Persuaded Obi, Kwankwaso To Join ADC Despite Atiku Fears — Babachir Lawal

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has recounted how he worked to persuade Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to join the African Democratic Congress despite concerns surrounding Atiku Abubakar’s involvement.

Lawal made the disclosure while discussing the opposition coalition and the political negotiations that preceded the realignment of several opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to him, there were reservations among some political actors about Atiku’s role in the emerging coalition and the possibility that the former vice president would eventually dominate the political arrangement.

Lawal said he nevertheless believed that the opposition could accommodate different political interests under the ADC platform and sought to convince Obi and Kwankwaso to participate.

He said the discussions were aimed at building a broader political platform capable of bringing together prominent opposition figures ahead of the 2027 election.

Lawal also disclosed that Atiku had previously approached him about persuading Obi to join the ADC and accept the position of his running mate.

According to Lawal, Atiku proposed that he and Obi could serve together for four years and subsequently pursue a constitutional amendment that would create a single six-year presidential term.

Lawal said he conveyed the proposal to Obi, but the former Anambra State governor was not interested.

The former SGF later became critical of the internal developments within the ADC. In June, he resigned from the party, alleging irregularities in its presidential primary process and claiming that the process had favoured Atiku.

The ADC and Atiku’s camp disputed Lawal’s allegations.

Lawal subsequently left the ADC and joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress in September, where he expressed support for the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket.

His latest account provides further details about the negotiations and disagreements that shaped the opposition realignment ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The developments highlight the competing interests among opposition politicians as parties seek to build alliances and determine their candidates and political structures ahead of the election.

Lawal’s account remains his description of the negotiations, while some of the political figures involved have disputed aspects of his recollection.