Babachir Lawal Quits ADC, Alleges Primaries Were Rigged for Atiku

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has resigned from the African Democratic Congress after accusing the party of manipulating its recent primaries in favour of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

Lawal announced his resignation in a statement on Monday, June 1, 2026. He alleged that the party’s internal election process lacked fairness and credibility.

Lawal rejects ADC primary process

According to Lawal, the ADC primaries did not reflect the will of party members. He claimed that the results were altered to favour Atiku and his political allies.

He described the process as heavily compromised and said he could no longer remain in a party that, in his view, had abandoned internal democracy.

Lawal also accused the party leadership of allowing a process that weakened trust among members ahead of the 2027 general elections.

ADC faces a fresh opposition crisis

His resignation adds a new layer to the crisis within the opposition bloc.

The ADC has attracted major political figures ahead of 2027. However, internal disputes over primaries, leadership control and candidate selection could affect its ability to build a united front.

Lawal’s exit may also fuel more questions about the party’s readiness to challenge the ruling party in the next election cycle.

What this means for Atiku

Atiku remains one of the most prominent figures in Nigeria’s opposition politics. However, Lawal’s allegation could create fresh pressure around his candidacy and influence within the ADC.

The former vice-president has faced similar internal party battles in past election cycles. This latest dispute may test how well the ADC manages post-primary grievances.

Expert View

Lawal’s resignation shows how fragile opposition alliances can become when parties fail to manage ambition and internal trust.

For the ADC, the bigger issue is not only Lawal’s exit. The real concern is perception. Once party members believe a primary process favours one camp, unity becomes harder to sustain.

Ahead of 2027, Nigerians will watch whether the ADC can resolve these disputes quickly. If the crisis deepens, it could weaken the party’s claim as a serious national alternative.

FAQ

Why did Babachir Lawal leave ADC?

Babachir Lawal said he left the ADC because he believed the party’s primaries were rigged in favour of Atiku Abubakar and his allies.

Who is Babachir Lawal?

Babachir Lawal is a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

What did Lawal accuse ADC of?

He accused the ADC of manipulating its primary elections and undermining internal democracy.

What does this mean for ADC?

The resignation could deepen internal tension within the party and raise concerns about unity ahead of the 2027 elections.

Has Atiku responded?

As of the reports reviewed, Atiku Abubakar had not issued a detailed public response to Lawal’s allegation.