Babachir Lawal, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Abuja on Tuesday. The move came three months after he resigned from the African Democratic Congress.
Lawal announced his defection at an event where party leaders received him. He declared full support for the NDC presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking after his formal reception into the party, Lawal said Nigerians who care about the country’s challenges must back the NDC.
He stated: “Anybody in Nigeria who has the interest of our country at heart and sympathy for the suffering that is ongoing in our country, along with insecurity, hunger, ignorance and disease, will have no choice but to join a party that represents the future and have Peter and Kwankwaso as their candidates.
“Every sensible and patriotic Nigerian ought to understand this. It is now convincing to partner with the NDC to see to the fulfilment of the very noble objective of installing Obi as the president and Kwankwaso as vice president. So, by the grace of God, we look forward to May 29, 2027, to celebrate the feat properly for the good of the country, and the future of generations yet unborn.”
Senator Seriake Dickson, NDC National Leader, received Lawal on behalf of the party’s National Working Committee, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Dickson described Lawal as a political mobiliser and activist. He said: “Babachir Lawal does not need any introduction. He was the former secretary to the government of our country, who did well. But behind the official designations that are known, what is not known is that he’s a great mobiliser. He’s actually some sort of political activist also.”
“On behalf of the national working committee and our candidates, Peter Obi and his running mate, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, we welcome you. We are pleased to have you play a leadership role that only you can play at those levels. You will oversee the activities of the NDC and our campaigns in the North Eastern part of Nigeria.”
Lawal resigned from the ADC in June 2026. In a statement on his Facebook page, he alleged that the party’s presidential primary had been manipulated to favour former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. He claimed results were altered and that declared winners were replaced in some areas.
