‘Cheap product’, Babachir Lawal mocks Atiku’s presidential bid
Lawal Critiques ADC Leadership, Signals Legal Action Over Governorship Substitution
By Omeiza Ajayi
ABUJA — Babachir Lawal, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has publicly criticized the African Democratic Congress (ADC) regarding its presidential candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and its recent handling of the governorship primary in Adamawa State.
In a Facebook post on Sunday titled “Kachalla Series Three,” Lawal accused the ADC of replacing Engr. Umar Suleiman, the apparent winner of the party’s Adamawa governorship primary, with Tukur Moddibo. He asserted that this substitution was influenced by ethnic considerations and alleged pressure from Atiku.
Lawal characterized the candidate selection process as akin to purchasing products from an online marketplace, likening both the ADC’s leadership and Atiku to items that lack value.
“This story has spread in the state; APC seems to have donated a candidate to the state, indicating they came from a market like TEMU. It seems ADC has followed suit,” he noted.
He claimed that Suleiman, described by law as a “competent and experienced gentleman,” posed a significant challenge to efforts to maintain political dominance in the state. Lawal alleged that the substitution violated the Electoral Act of 2026, the ADC Constitution, and the party’s Primary Election Guidelines.
Lawal has indicated his intent to pursue legal action regarding the matter. “This substitution violates multiple legal frameworks and will be challenged in court,” he stated.
He expressed confidence that voters in Adamawa would reject what he termed an imposition of candidates. “The masses in Adamawa trust that both the ADC and APC will face defeat in the upcoming gubernatorial elections,” he added, emphasizing that voters have alternative choices in other candidates and political parties.
