Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), three months after leaving the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Lawal formally joined the opposition party in Abuja on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, where he declared his support for the NDC presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former SGF said his decision was driven by his concerns over the challenges facing the country, including insecurity, hunger, ignorance and disease.
He said, “Anybody in Nigeria who has the interest of our country at heart and sympathy for the suffering that is ongoing in our country, along with insecurity, hunger, ignorance and disease, will have no choice but to join a party that represents the future and have Peter and Kwankwaso as their candidates.”
Lawal added, “Every sensible and patriotic Nigerian ought to understand this. It is now convincing to partner with the NDC to see to the fulfilment of the very noble objective of installing Obi as the president and Kwankwaso as vice president. So, by the grace of God, we look forward to May 29, 2027, to celebrate the feat properly for the good of the country, and future of generations yet unborn.”
Receiving Lawal into the party, NDC National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, described him as a political mobiliser and activist with extensive experience in Nigerian politics.
Dickson said Lawal would take on a leadership role in the party’s activities and campaigns in the North-East.
He said, “Babachir Lawal does not need any introduction. He was the former secretary to the government of our country, who did well. But behind the official designations that are known, what is not known is that he’s a great mobiliser. He’s actually some sort of political activist also.”
Dickson added that Lawal had experience across different political platforms and welcomed his decision to join the NDC.
“On behalf of the national working committee and our candidates, Peter Obi and his running mate, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, we welcome you,” he said.
“We are pleased to have you play a leadership role that only you can play at those levels. You will oversee the activities of the NDC and our campaigns in the North Eastern part of Nigeria. We count on you, therefore, to help resolve issues, give guidance and direction to the activities of all our candidates and our campaigns in those zones.”
Lawal’s move to the NDC followed his resignation from the ADC, where he had raised concerns over the conduct of the party’s presidential primary.
In June, Lawal said he could no longer remain in the ADC after alleging that the primary process had been manipulated in favour of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
He had also alleged that results were altered in some areas to favour Atiku and his supporters, claims that formed part of his stated reasons for leaving the party.
Lawal’s entry into the NDC comes as the party continues preparations for the 2027 general elections, with Obi and Kwankwaso already established as its presidential and vice-presidential candidates.
Ademide Adebayo
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