Tinubu will defeat Atiku if election is decided by rigging - Babachir Lawal
Former Official Claims Tinubu Would Prevail in Rigged Elections
Babachir Lawal, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, stated in a recent interview that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would likely be unbeatable if the 2027 presidential election is influenced by electoral manipulation.
During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Lawal contended that no current politician could surpass Tinubu in what he described as the “politics of election rigging.” He asserted, “If the parameter for winning elections in Nigeria is rigging, nobody can face Bola Tinubu in this country.”
When pressed on whether he believes the president is already positioned for victory in 2027, he answered, “Landslide. He’ll rig everybody.”
Lawal’s remarks were made amidst increasing political shifts ahead of the next general election and shortly after his departure from the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He dismissed any suggestions that he might support the ADC’s presidential candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, citing concerns about Atiku’s leadership record.
“I know Atiku. I have studied his antecedents and realized that his presidency will be worse than Bola Tinubu’s,” Lawal said. He emphasized his reluctance to back any political initiative that could lead to regret, stating that Atiku’s candidacy does not align with the leadership Nigeria requires.
In addition, Lawal criticized Atiku for what he described as a lack of engagement with Nigeria’s security challenges, including escalating incidents of violence and kidnappings.
Despite his critiques of both politicians, Lawal clarified that he has not endorsed any candidate for the 2027 election. “I am supporting nobody. I don’t want to be part of anything for now,” he said.
Following his resignation from the ADC, Lawal mentioned that he is still contemplating his next political move and has not determined which, if any, political platform he may join. He previously announced his exit from the party, alleging that the ADC’s recent presidential primary was skewed in favor of Atiku. Lawal claimed results were manipulated to ensure a predetermined outcome and asserted that candidates in areas where voting occurred were swapped with individuals loyal to Atiku.
In response to Lawal’s allegations, the ADC leadership has defended the integrity of the primary, asserting it was conducted transparently and representative of party members’ wishes. Atiku was declared the winner of the contest, surpassing former Governor Rotimi Amaechi and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.
