Tinubu Will Defeat Atiku if Election Is Decided by Rigging — Babachir Lawal

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has claimed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would be difficult to defeat in the 2027 presidential election if electoral victory is determined by manipulation rather than the popular vote.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Lawal argued that no politician currently possesses the capacity to outmaneuver Tinubu in what he described as the politics of election rigging.

Responding to a question on whether the president was already positioned for victory in 2027, Lawal stated, “Landslide. He’ll rig everybody.”

He further asserted that if electoral manipulation becomes the determining factor in the next election, Tinubu would have a significant advantage over his opponents, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Lawal’s remarks come amid increasing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general election and shortly after his resignation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The former SGF also dismissed suggestions that he could support Atiku’s presidential ambition, saying his reservations stem from his assessment of the former vice president’s political record and leadership style.

According to Lawal, he believes an Atiku presidency would not provide the kind of leadership Nigeria currently requires. He further criticized the former vice president over what he described as insufficient engagement with the country’s security challenges, including persistent cases of killings and kidnappings.

Despite his criticism of both Tinubu and Atiku, Lawal maintained that he has not endorsed any aspirant for the 2027 presidential race.

“I am supporting nobody. I don’t want to be part of anything for now,” he said.

On his future political plans, Lawal disclosed that he remains in consultation and has yet to decide whether he will join another political platform.

His comments followed his decision to leave the ADC after alleging that the party’s recent presidential primary was manipulated in favour of Atiku. He claimed that results were altered and candidates replaced to achieve a predetermined outcome.

The ADC has denied the allegations, insisting that the primary election was conducted transparently and reflected the wishes of party members. Atiku emerged winner of the contest ahead of former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.