Babachir Lawal: APC Defections Won’t Slow Coalition’s Momentum
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has downplayed the recent endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term by All Progressives Congress (APC) governors, dismissing it as inconsequential to the broader political landscape.
In an interview with Nigerian Tribune on Sunday, May 25, Lawal, who is a key figure in a coalition of opposition leaders seeking to dislodge the APC in 2027, said the alliance is focused solely on winning over the Nigerian electorate—not political elites.
His remarks followed the May 22 declaration by all 22 APC governors pledging support for Tinubu as the party’s sole presidential candidate for the next general election.
“We are not concerned if every governor defects to the APC,” Lawal stated.
“Even if all 36 state governors and the FCT join the APC, they only control 37 votes—perhaps a few hundred more if you count their family members.
But we are focused on the real voter—the ordinary Nigerian who has borne the brunt of this administration’s failures.”
Lawal emphasized that the coalition is deliberately engaging directly with citizens, especially those most affected by economic hardship, insecurity, and poor governance.
He also underscored the coalition’s careful, low-profile strategy: “We don’t take photos, we don’t keep minutes.
We’re deliberate about safeguarding our plans,” he said, adding that his decision to remain in Abuja during the planting season underscored his dedication to the cause.
“It would be foolish to abandon my farm for political games unless I was fully committed.”
Meanwhile, speculation continues to swirl around the coalition’s potential adoption of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its political platform for 2027.
However, those talks face new uncertainty following Peter Obi’s declaration on May 24 that he intends to run again under the Labour Party.
Though Lawal didn’t address Obi’s announcement directly, he maintained that the coalition remains unified and undeterred.
“At the right time, we’ll reveal our direction,” he said. “For now, our mission remains clear—mobilize the people, not the politicians.”
Babachir Lawal: APC Defections Won’t Slow Coalition’s Momentum