Babachir Lawal Says He Persuaded Obi, Kwankwaso to Join ADC Despite Atiku Concerns

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has said he persuaded Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) despite their reservations about former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s involvement in the party.

Lawal made the disclosure during an appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Monday, while recounting the negotiations that preceded the entry of Obi and Kwankwaso into the opposition party ahead of its presidential primary.

He said Obi was initially hesitant about joining the ADC but eventually agreed after repeated persuasion. According to Lawal, he attended the party’s meetings and played a key role in convincing the former Anambra State governor to commit to the coalition.

Lawal also said Kwankwaso had reservations about joining the party because of Atiku’s presence, alleging that the former Kano State governor believed the former vice president’s involvement could undermine the coalition’s chances.

He said Obi shared similar concerns, particularly regarding the ADC’s presidential primary. According to Lawal, Obi preferred a consensus arrangement because he believed a contested primary could favour candidates with greater financial resources and political influence.

Lawal explained that the failure to reach an agreement on a consensus candidate contributed to the eventual departure of both Obi and Kwankwaso from the ADC. He said the two politicians became convinced that the primary process was being manipulated in favour of Atiku.

Lawal, who had previously been an ally of Atiku, also left the ADC after the party’s presidential primary produced the former vice president as its candidate. He had alleged that the exercise was massively rigged.

The former SGF has since joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), which is backing Obi as its presidential candidate and Kwankwaso as its vice-presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general election.