Babachir Lawal, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has warned Nigerians that worsening hardship and insecurity under the current government require voters to prioritise competence over ethnicity and partisan loyalty at the 2027 polls.
He made the comments on Tuesday during an interview on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese‑Ijebu, Ogun State, and later on TVC after resigning from the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“Bola has not been able to give us good governance. I judge governance by results, not by tribe or sentiment.”
Lawal blamed persistent insecurity and poor economic performance for growing public suffering across the country.
“Insecurity is still one of the most urgent challenges. You cannot build a country where people are being killed in their villages and life continues as normal.”
He said rural communities bear the heaviest toll from attacks, displacement and economic neglect.
“The people suffering the most are in rural communities. They are the ones being attacked, displaced and forgotten.”
Lawal rejected identity politics, saying voters must evaluate candidates on competence, character and measurable outcomes rather than on the basis of ethnicity or party labels.
“We must move away from identity politics. What matters is who can fix the country, not where they come from.”
He warned that simply removing the incumbent will not solve Nigeria’s problems unless the replacement can govern better.
“Nigerians must look for the right person who can defeat Bola Tinubu. But defeating an incumbent is not enough.”
Criticism Of Atiku And Opposition Coalitions
Assessing leading figures, Lawal criticised former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar for what he described as a lack of visible empathy and engagement with communities hit by violence.
“Have you ever seen Atiku pay condolences to communities where they were ravaged by this insurgency? Have you ever heard him condemn Boko Haram killings? This man is completely detached.”
He also questioned the motivations behind some opposition coalitions, saying alliances often pursue personal ambition rather than national interest.
“Everybody joins a coalition solely to become the candidate. Once they realise they may not emerge, they begin to look for alternatives.”
Lawal said he helped found the ADC to build a credible alternative but resigned after alleging irregularities in its presidential primary that produced Atiku.
“I was one of the early founding members of ADC because I believed a coalition was necessary to salvage Nigeria from Tinubu’s disastrous policies.”
Looking at other contenders, he praised businessman and economist Mohammad Hayatu‑Deen for competence and managerial capacity.
“On the basis of merit, competence and capability, Hayatu‑Deen tops them all because he is a very well‑rounded corporate guru.”
Lawal’s Personal Stance And Possible 2027 Vote
Speaking of his personal stance ahead of 2027, Lawal said he has stepped back from active partisan campaigning but will vote, and he has narrowed possible choices.
“I have retired from politics; I am not canvassing for anybody.”
“I might even vote for Sowore; there are other guys coming up who I believe would handle Nigeria better.”
He also said he has ruled out several parties as viable platforms for change.
“I’ve eliminated APC, now I have eliminated ADC and I can tell you categorically that I have eliminated NDC.”
Lawal closed by urging Nigerians to choose leaders who deliver results and remain accountable after elections.
“Democracy does not end on election day. Leaders must remain accountable at all times.”
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