FORMER BUHARI SGF BABACHIR LAWAL JOINS NDC AND BACKS OBI KWANKWASO 2027 TICKET

ABUJA, Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir David Lawal has joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress and declared his support for Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso ahead of Nigeria's 2027 presidential election.

Lawal formally joined the opposition party in Abuja on Tuesday, September 22, marking another political move by a former senior government official as parties reposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He was received by NDC National Leader Senator Seriake Dickson and other senior party officials.

Lawal served as Secretary to the Government of the Federation under former President Muhammadu Buhari and was previously a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress.

Announcing his decision, Lawal said concerns about insecurity, economic hardship, hunger and other challenges facing Nigerians influenced his decision to support the NDC.

He publicly endorsed Peter Obi as the party's presidential candidate and Rabiu Kwankwaso as his running mate.

Lawal argued that Nigerians dissatisfied with conditions in the country should consider supporting the opposition ticket.

His comments represent his political assessment of the situation in Nigeria and his reasons for joining the NDC.

The move comes several months after Lawal left the African Democratic Congress.

He resigned from the ADC on June 1 after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerged as the party's presidential candidate.

Lawal alleged that the ADC presidential primary had been manipulated in Atiku's favour.

Those allegations were made by Lawal as part of his explanation for leaving the party.

His support for Obi is not entirely new.

Ahead of Nigeria's 2023 presidential election, Lawal opposed the candidacy of Bola Tinubu despite his previous association with the APC and publicly supported Obi.

His latest move formally places him inside the NDC as the party expands its organisation ahead of the 2027 election.

Dickson described Lawal as an experienced political organiser and mobiliser with an extensive network, particularly in northern Nigeria.

The former SGF is also expected to take on responsibilities within the NDC's campaign operation.

Dickson said Lawal would oversee the party's activities and campaigns in Nigeria's North East and provide guidance to candidates and campaign officials in the region.

Separate reports indicate that his responsibilities will also include a supervisory leadership role for NDC activities in the North Central.

His defection comes as the NDC continues preparations for its presidential campaign and works to establish campaign structures across the country.

The party has already settled on former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi as its presidential candidate and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as his running mate.

Lawal's move also adds another former senior APC linked political figure to the evolving opposition landscape ahead of the election.

However, the significance of individual defections will ultimately depend on how parties build their organizations, mobilize voters and perform when Nigerians vote in the 2027 general elections.

With the election approaching, further defections and alliances are likely to remain an important part of Nigeria's political conversation as the major parties strengthen their campaign structures.