In an exclusive interview with Taiwo Amodu from the Tribune, Babachir Lawal, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), shared his insights on the political landscape as Nigeria gears up for the 2027 elections. Lawal, who is actively involved in the Contact and Mobilization and Finance Committees of a coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, expressed confidence that the coalition could successfully challenge the ruling APC, despite the recent wave of defections from opposition parties to Tinubu’s government.
Lawal addressed the skepticism surrounding the coalition’s ability to unseat Tinubu, emphasizing that political commentary often lacks depth when viewed from the outside. “Politics doesn’t easily lend itself to that,” he remarked, asserting that those involved in the coalition are serious about their mission. He dismissed concerns that the coalition’s efforts were futile, stating, “We won’t be wasting our time if we know that we won’t succeed.”
When asked if the coalition was solely centered around Atiku Abubakar, Lawal clarified that it comprises various political figures with their own ambitions. He mentioned the participation of individuals like Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi, indicating that the coalition aims to create a strong platform for multiple candidates rather than focusing exclusively on one leader.
Lawal also tackled the narrative that the coalition is an anti-South movement, arguing instead that the coalition is a response to the current administration’s failures, particularly regarding insecurity and governance. He pointed out that the coalition is not merely reacting to the actions of the South but is focused on addressing the broader issues affecting all Nigerians.
As discussions about potential party affiliations continue, Lawal emphasized that the coalition has yet to finalize its political platform, with ongoing evaluations of various parties based on their constitutions and management structures. He reiterated that the coalition’s primary objective is to build a robust political entity capable of contesting elections effectively.
In conclusion, Lawal expressed satisfaction with his decision to distance himself from Tinubu’s administration, citing the challenges faced by his community and the need for equitable representation in governance. “With the benefit of hindsight, I thank God that I took that decision,” he stated, underscoring his commitment to advocating for the interests of marginalized groups within Nigeria.
