By John James, Abuja
Babachir Lawal, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has declared his intention to collaborate with former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai to prevent President Bola Tinubu from securing victory in the upcoming 2027 elections.
In an interview with Punch, Lawal, once an ally of Tinubu, has now emerged as a vocal critic, attributing widespread hardship in Northern Nigeria to the president’s economic reforms. He emphasized that these policies have left the region feeling betrayed, describing them as “nail-biting reforms” that have exacerbated poverty and economic distress.
Lawal’s comments resonate with El-Rufai’s recent warnings about a potential political upheaval in 2027, reminiscent of the challenges faced by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015. El-Rufai took to his verified X account (formerly Twitter) to share insights from APC member Uche Diala, which highlighted a significant decline in Tinubu’s relationship with the North over the past two years.
“The North is seriously mobilizing with a consensus that Bola Tinubu must step aside in the 2027 election,” Lawal stated. “This is not a matter of debate. I may have previously disagreed with El-Rufai on certain issues, but on this, I will join him in efforts to ensure Tinubu does not win again. If he does, Northern Nigeria could become one large refugee camp.”
Lawal emphasized that the region’s future hinges on finding a suitable alternative to Tinubu, regardless of the candidate’s geographical origins. “What matters is that the candidate understands the importance of a united Nigeria,” he remarked.
He noted the divide among political elites regarding the candidate’s origin, with some advocating for a Southern candidate while others express concerns about the risks involved. “Ultimately, we all agree that we need a substitute for Bola Tinubu,” Lawal added. “Unfortunately, many Northern figures benefiting from this administration are merely justifying their positions, indifferent to the struggles faced by the broader Northern populace.”
Lawal concluded by highlighting the disconnect between elite opinions and the sentiments of the masses, asserting that even those who appear to support Tinubu will not cast their votes for him due to the hardships they endure. He urged Northern political leaders to heed the call for change and ensure that Tinubu does not secure a second term.
