Atiku didn't do much to secure ADC presidential primary: Babachir Lawal

Babachir Lawal, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has been a vocal critic of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary that produced Atiku Abubakar as the party's flag bearer for the 2027 election. For Lawal, the outcome of the primary is not just about party politics, but also about personal relationships and the trust he had placed in the party's leadership. His recent resignation from the ADC following allegations of irregularities in the primary process has left him feeling disillusioned and questioning the true intentions of party leaders.

The ADC presidential primary was a closely watched event, with several aspirants vying for the party's ticket. However, Lawal's claims suggest that Atiku Abubakar's campaign was not as robust as that of his competitors. Lawal specifically cited the efforts of Rotimi Amaechi, former Governor of Rivers State, as an example of a candidate who was actively working to secure the party's ticket. By contrast, Lawal described Atiku's approach as "low-profile," with little emphasis on campaigning or building relationships with party members.

Lawal's comments about Atiku's campaign highlight the importance of building relationships and trust within party structures. In the ADC, party members had invested significant time and resources into supporting their preferred candidates. Lawal's own decision to resign from the party was motivated by a sense of disillusionment with the primary process, which he believed did not reflect the true wishes of party members. His comments suggest that Atiku's campaign failed to connect with party members on a personal level, which ultimately cost him the support he needed to secure the ticket.

The ADC's emergence as a major player in Nigerian politics is a significant development, with implications for the country's electoral landscape. As a relatively new party, the ADC has been able to attract a diverse range of candidates, including prominent politicians from other parties. Lawal's comments about the ADC primary suggest that the party's leadership is still grappling with issues of credibility and trust. However, the ADC's growing presence in Nigerian politics also offers opportunities for parties to innovate and adapt to changing voter preferences.

The controversy surrounding the ADC primary has left many questioning the party's ability to deliver a credible candidate for the 2027 election. Lawal's comments about Atiku's campaign highlight the need for parties to build strong relationships with party members and to engage in more robust forms of campaign politics. As Nigeria's electoral landscape continues to evolve, the ADC's emergence as a major player will be closely watched. With the party's leadership still grappling with issues of credibility and trust, it remains to be seen whether the ADC can deliver a candidate who can connect with party members and win the trust of Nigerian voters.

In the coming months, the ADC will need to work hard to repair the damage caused by the primary controversy. If the party fails to take concrete steps to address these issues, it risks losing the trust of party members and potentially harming its chances in the 2027 election. As a seasoned politician, Babachir Lawal's comments offer a timely reminder of the importance of party politics in shaping Nigeria's electoral landscape.