A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has urged Nigerians not to support former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the 2027 presidential election, accusing him of practising ethnic politics and interfering in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship ticket in Adamawa State. However, Atiku has dismissed the allegations, insisting he has no involvement in any attempt to alter the party’s governorship candidate.
Speaking during a telephone interview with The PUNCH, Lawal alleged that Atiku was behind moves to replace the ADC’s governorship candidate in Adamawa State, Suleiman Omar, with Alhaji Tukur Modibbo. According to him, Omar emerged as the party’s candidate through the primary election but was now facing efforts to remove him.
Lawal claimed that the move reflected Atiku’s style of politics, which he described as being driven by ethnic considerations. The former SGF further urged Nigerians not to support the former vice president in the 2027 presidential election, citing the allegations as reasons for his position.
Reacting to the allegations, Atiku Abubakar described them as false, unfounded and without merit. In a statement issued by his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, the former vice president denied participating in any meeting, issuing any directive or engaging in discussions aimed at replacing the ADC governorship candidate in Adamawa State. The statement maintained that the claims were entirely fabricated and intended to create unnecessary tension within the party.
According to Atiku’s camp, those spreading the allegations were uncomfortable with what it described as the growing unity and momentum within the African Democratic Congress.
The statement urged party members, supporters and the general public to disregard what it called malicious propaganda designed to sow discord among party stakeholders. It further reaffirmed that the ADC remains committed to due process, internal democracy and decisions taken by its constitutionally recognised organs.
The exchange between Lawal and Atiku adds another dimension to political developments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with both figures taking opposing positions over the controversy surrounding the ADC governorship ticket in Adamawa State. While Babachir attacks Atiku over the alleged attempt to influence the party’s candidate, the former vice president continues to deny any involvement, maintaining that the allegations are politically motivated and without factual basis.
