Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has resigned from the African Democratic Congress over alleged irregularities in the party’s recently concluded primaries.

Lawal announced his resignation in a statement issued on Monday, June 1, 2026, accusing the party leadership of manipulating the primaries in favour of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

According to the former SGF, the electoral process within the party was compromised at multiple levels, resulting in predetermined outcomes that undermined fairness, transparency and internal democracy.

“I am exiting the ADC because its just concluded primaries were at all levels massively rigged in favour of Kachalla Abubakar Atiku,” Lawal stated.

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Beyond accusing the party of manipulation, Lawal also criticised what he described as silence among party stakeholders regarding the alleged irregularities.

He said many members appeared willing to ignore what he considered serious flaws in the process, a situation he claimed he could no longer tolerate.

“I sense a conspiracy of silence of which I want no part. Most members of the party are behaving as if this is the normal thing to do,” he added.

The resignation marks another setback for the ADC following recent disputes surrounding the party’s presidential primary process and growing internal disagreements among key political figures.

Opposition to Atiku’s 2027 Ambition

Lawal also openly declared opposition to Atiku’s reported presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to him, backing the former vice-president could indirectly strengthen the re-election prospects of President Bola Tinubu.

The former SGF questioned the political judgment of opposition figures aligning behind Atiku, arguing that leadership decisions should prioritise competence, strategy and national interest rather than personal loyalty or political sentiment.

Despite his resignation, Lawal did not immediately announce a new political platform or alliance.

He disclosed that he intends to temporarily step back from active politics while consulting with political associates and allies on the next phase of his involvement in national politics.

Political observers believe his exit could further deepen divisions within opposition ranks as preparations for the 2027 elections continue to intensify.

The ADC has yet to issue an official response to Lawal’s allegations at the time of this report.