Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has resigned from the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Lawal announced his exit in a statement posted on his official Facebook page on Monday, saying he could no longer remain in a political platform he believes compromised its internal democratic process.
The ADC cheiftain alleged that the party’s presidential primary was manipulated in favour of Atiku Abubakar, former vice president.
“I am exiting the ADC because its just concluded primaries were at all levels massively rigged in favour Kachalla Abubakar Atiku,” Lawal said.
He further alleged that the outcome of the exercise was deliberately altered to favour Atiku and his supporters, insisting that the process was compromised even in areas where voting took place.
“Results were just written or rewritten to favour him and his coven. Even where they allowed some semblance of election to hold, the winners were simply replaced with members of his syndicate. In the real sense it was a disgraceful charade,” he said.
The former SGF said his decision was also informed by his refusal to be associated with a political arrangement he believes could shape future electoral contests in a questionable manner.
The controversy trails the ADC presidential primary held on May 25, 2026, in which Atiku emerged as the party’s flagbearer with 1,846,370 votes.
Rotimi Amaechi, former governor of Rivers state, came second with 504,117 votes, while Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, a businessman, placed third with 177,120 votes.
Before the declaration of results, Hayatu-Deen had publicly raised concerns about alleged irregularities and questioned the credibility of the exercise.
Amaechi also criticised the conduct of the primary, alleging irregularities in the process that produced Atiku as candidate.
However, following a visit from Atiku, Hayatu-Deen later said he would not challenge the outcome, stressing the need for party unity ahead of future elections.
Lawal said he would now consult with political associates on his next steps while maintaining his opposition to Atiku’s presidential ambition.
