Atiku Dismisses Babachir Lawal’s Allegations, Demands Evidence

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed allegations made by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, over the conduct of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary. Atiku described Lawal’s claims as baseless, urging him to produce evidence rather than rely on accusations.

Allegations Without Proof
Lawal had appeared on national television, accusing Atiku of manipulating the ADC primary. But according to Atiku’s aide, Phrank Shaibu, the former SGF failed to present any verifiable proof.

“Mr. Lawal spent nearly an hour making grave accusations but produced no documents, petitions, result sheets, witness statements, or recordings,” Shaibu said. “He arrived with accusations. He left with accusations. In between, the evidence never arrived.”

Political Disappointment
Atiku’s camp argued that Lawal’s intervention was not that of a whistleblower but of a disappointed political actor. By his own admission, Lawal had openly supported another aspirant before the primary concluded. His criticism, Atiku’s team suggested, stemmed from frustration over the failure of his preferred candidate.

Contradictions in Lawal’s Claims
The statement also pointed to contradictions in Lawal’s narrative. He portrayed Atiku as politically irrelevant yet simultaneously accused him of orchestrating a nationwide conspiracy across 8,809 wards.

“Atiku was supposedly inactive and unpopular, yet he allegedly engineered a nationwide plot. Such arguments are implausible and insulting to party members whose democratic choices he now seeks to invalidate,” Shaibu said.

Targeting Atiku’s Constituencies
Atiku’s team accused Lawal of acting as a “political mercenary,” attempting to weaken the former Vice President’s standing among Christian communities in the Middle Belt and other regions where Atiku retains support.

The statement rejected Lawal’s claim that Atiku had “absolutely nothing,” pointing instead to his record in liberalising Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, advancing economic reforms, supporting private sector growth, and investing in education.

Atiku’s Final Word
Shaibu stressed that Atiku would not engage further on the matter. “This is the final response to Mr. Lawal’s increasingly desperate attempts to remain politically relevant through sensationalism and character assassination,” he said.

He added that Nigerians had heard Lawal’s allegations, seen his performance, and judged for themselves. “The facts remain unchanged. The truth remains intact. And no amount of bitterness can alter either,” Shaibu concluded.

Broader Implications
The clash between Atiku and Lawal reflects the growing tensions within Nigeria’s opposition politics ahead of the 2027 elections. Allegations of manipulation in party primaries are not new, but Atiku’s sharp response underscores his determination to protect his political credibility.

For the ADC, the controversy highlights the challenges of managing internal disputes while presenting itself as a credible alternative in national politics. For Atiku, it is a reminder that his political journey remains under constant scrutiny, with rivals eager to question his influence and relevance.

Looking Ahead
As Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 polls, disputes like this are likely to intensify. Atiku’s dismissal of Lawal’s claims reflects a broader strategy: confront allegations directly, demand evidence, and frame critics as politically motivated.

Whether Lawal produces proof or fades from the conversation, the episode has already added another layer to Nigeria’s complex political narrative. In a political climate where credibility and perception are decisive, Atiku’s insistence on evidence over rhetoric signals how opposition figures intend to defend their standing in the run-up to the next election.