Babachir Lawal Exposes SGF Removal Plot — Demands ADC Remove Atiku

June 12, 2026 5 min read

Babachir Lawal, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has publicly alleged that coordinated interests orchestrated his removal from office, and has now called on the ADC political party to expel former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The claims mark a significant escalation in Nigerian political circles, with Lawal naming what he describes as a deliberate campaign to force him out of his position.

The allegations surfaced during a press conference held in Abuja on Thursday. Lawal, who served as SGF under the previous administration, provided detailed accounts of what he claims were multiple attempts to undermine his tenure. He specifically named Atiku Abubakar as a figure the ADC must address, suggesting the former vice president's presence within the party creates complications for its internal cohesion.

Lawal Details Alleged Removal Conspiracy

Lawal addressed journalists at a venue in Maitama, a district within Nigeria's capital city, describing what he called a systematic effort to destabilise his position. He outlined a timeline of events he claims led to his eventual exit from the SGF role, identifying specific instances where he believes opponents within political circles worked to remove him.

The former SGF stated that individuals acting on behalf of certain interests held discussions aimed at crafting narratives that would justify his removal. He claimed these efforts included the dissemination of information he described as misleading, designed to paint his tenure in negative light before senior government officials and the public.

Chuks Okocha, a political commentator who attended the press conference, noted that Lawal's allegations raise questions about internal party dynamics within Nigeria's opposition landscape. The claims arrive at a time when political parties are positioning themselves ahead of upcoming electoral cycles, making every statement and alliance potentially significant for voters.

ADC Party Leadership Under Scrutiny

The call for Atiku's removal from the ADC represents a notable development given the former vice president's stature within Nigerian politics. Atiku served as vice president under the Olusegun Obasanjo administration between 1999 and 2007, and has since mounted multiple presidential campaigns, most recently in the 2023 general election.

Lawal's demand that the ADC expel Atiku suggests deepening fractures within the party structure. The ADC, formally known as the Action Democratic Congress, has positioned itself as an alternative political platform, though it has struggled to achieve the electoral success of Nigeria's larger parties. Internal disagreements over candidate selection and strategic direction have periodically surfaced in party communications.

The former SGF did not specify what concrete evidence he possesses regarding Atiku's alleged role in the plot against him. However, he maintained that the connection between certain political figures and his removal from office warrants formal party action. The ADC has not yet issued a public response to Lawal's demands, and party officials could not be reached for immediate comment.

Reactions from Political Observers

Political analysts in Lagos suggested that Lawal's public allegations could complicate efforts by smaller parties to build coalitions ahead of future elections. Nigeria's political landscape traditionally centres on the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party, leaving smaller parties to navigate for relevance and support.

Some observers noted that Lawal's decision to go public with these claims rather than pursue internal party channels suggests a breakdown in communication between himself and ADC leadership. Whether this represents a calculated strategy to pressure the party or reflects genuine frustration remains unclear from available information.

The allegations also raise questions about the treatment of former government officials who transition into opposition politics. Nigeria has witnessed various instances where former cabinet members have made public statements about their departures, sometimes years after leaving office, adding layers of complexity to political narratives.

Implications for Nigeria's Political Environment

For ordinary citizens, the developments carry potential implications for political organisation and voter choices. Political parties serve as vehicles through which candidates present policies and visions for governance, making internal party cohesion relevant to the quality of opposition alternatives available to voters.

The ADC's response to Lawal's demands will likely signal whether the party can maintain unified messaging or faces further internal divisions. Party officials have indicated plans to hold a national convention within the coming months, an event that could provide clarity on internal structures and leadership positions.

Nigerians following political developments will be watching to see whether the ADC issues a formal statement addressing Lawal's claims and whether Atiku's camp responds directly. The handling of such disputes within political parties often reflects broader patterns of accountability and transparency that citizens consider when evaluating political options.

What Happens Next

The ADC national convention scheduled for the coming weeks will serve as a focal point for party members and political observers. Lawal's allegations and demands may surface during party proceedings, potentially forcing a formal response from leadership. The party's ability to address internal grievances coherently will factor into assessments of its organisational health.

Atiku's response, if any, to Lawal's call for his removal will also draw attention. The former vice president maintains significant influence within segments of Nigeria's political opposition, and his continued presence in the ADC or departure from the party would carry symbolic and practical implications.

Citizens interested in political accountability should monitor whether party structures provide mechanisms for addressing grievances raised by members like Lawal. The outcome of this dispute may set precedents for how smaller parties manage internal disagreements and member expectations in Nigeria's evolving political system.