Babachir Lawal’s exit expected after Obi, Kwankwaso left, says ADC stalwart

Lauretta Onochie, a former presidential aide, says the resignation of Babachir Lawal from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) did not come as a surprise.

Onochie, a stalwart of the ADC, said Lawal’s departure became predictable after Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso exited the party.

Her words: “The resignation of Engr. Babachir Lawal from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) should not come as a surprise to those who have closely followed his political trajectory. After Obi and Kwankwaso left, we knew he would be next.”

Onochie alleged that Lawal had maintained a long-standing political opposition to Atiku Abubakar, the ADC presidential candidate.

She claimed that tensions between Lawal and Atiku dated back to the period when President Bola Tinubu and Atiku found common political ground in the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

She said: “For many years, B.D. Lawal was a close associate of President Tinubu. However, years ago, when Tinubu and HE Atiku Abubakar found common political ground in ACN, tensions emerged.

“At the heart of those tensions was the growing influence and national stature of Atiku Abubakar, a political force whose reach and acceptance extended far beyond regional boundaries.”

Onochie alleged that Lawal’s opposition to Atiku later evolved into persistent hostility, adding that he championed efforts to diminish Atiku’s influence.

“What began as envy and inferiority complex on the part of BD Lawal, gradually evolved into persistent opposition of Atiku,” she said.

Onochie said attempts to create divisions within the ADC ahead of its 2026 presidential primary failed because party members overwhelmingly supported Atiku.

She stated: “Across the country, Atiku enjoyed broad acceptance, deep grassroots support, and unmatched political goodwill. The outcome of the primary election confirmed what many already knew: Atiku Abubakar was the preferred choice of most ADC members.”

The former presidential aide linked several internal disputes within the party to individuals she claimed placed personal interests above those of the ADC.

“Several disputes and controversies that have confronted the party in recent times — from leadership disagreements involving Nafiu Bala Gombe in the North East zone, to state-level conflicts in Delta state, Adamawa state — have often been linked, directly or indirectly, to individuals like BD Lawal whose intentions were placed above the collective interests of the party,” she said.

Onochie also accused Lawal of attempting to exploit religious sentiments during political contests in Adamawa state.

“For someone who tried unsuccessfully to divide ADC in Adamawa using religion as the only criterium to nominate a gubernatorial candidate, to now try to label our candidate as a religious bigot, is disgusting,” she said.

She said the ADC remains open to all Nigerians committed to its ideals but stressed the need for discipline and loyalty to the party’s collective vision.

“ADC remains a party that welcomes ALL Nigerians who are committed to its ideals, values, and mission. However, unity, discipline, and loyalty to the collective vision of the party must always take precedence over personal rivalries and individual ambitions,” she noted.

She added: “ADC is bigger than any individual. There are still a few more destabilising individuals within the ADC. Our eyes are on the ball, but we know them. We are watching them.

“The mission to support the ADC, its presidential candidate and incoming President, HE Atiku Abubakar, continues.”