Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has alleged that influential political interests in Northern Nigeria orchestrated a campaign that led to his removal from office during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
In a statement shared on his Facebook page, Lawal claimed that his close relationship with Buhari generated resentment among some political figures who feared the former president was positioning him for a higher political role.
According to him, a group of Northern politicians, including some senators, allegedly coordinated efforts to remove him from office, enlisting the support of allies within the National Assembly, the executive arm of government and sections of the media.
Lawal said the campaign intensified after attempts to persuade Buhari to remove him failed.
He alleged that some of his detractors opposed his appointment because he is a Christian from the Kilba ethnic group, which he described as a minority community.
“They felt that Buhari had no business appointing me because I was from the small tribe of Kilba and a Christian,” Lawal stated, adding that one of the individuals involved later apologised to him in the presence of mutual associates.
The former SGF said he accepted the apology and chose not to publicly identify those he accused of plotting against him.
Lawal also weighed in on the 2027 presidential race, insisting that Nigerians have a right to scrutinise the character and competence of individuals seeking the nation’s highest office.
He reiterated his opposition to the presidential ambition of Atiku Abubakar and urged the African Democratic Congress to consider presenting an alternative candidate.
According to Lawal, the party’s chances in the next presidential election could be affected if it fails to field what he described as a more qualified candidate before the electoral timetable expires.
However, Atiku’s camp swiftly dismissed the allegations and criticisms.
Responding on behalf of the former vice president, media aide Paul Ibe described Lawal’s comments as an attempt to rewrite history and deflect attention from controversies surrounding his political activities.
Ibe accused Lawal of engaging in personal attacks against Atiku and rejected claims regarding the former vice president’s suitability for office.
He defended Atiku’s record on national security, noting that the former vice president has consistently condemned terrorism, banditry and kidnappings across the country.
According to Ibe, Atiku has repeatedly criticised the Federal Government’s handling of security challenges and advocated reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s counter-terrorism framework.
He also highlighted Atiku’s support for legislation that would enable state governments to equip local security outfits to complement federal security agencies, as well as his calls for improved community intelligence gathering to combat criminal activities.
The exchange adds to growing political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections, with key political figures and parties already positioning themselves for what is expected to be a fiercely contested race.
