ABUJA: Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), about three months after resigning from the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Lawal was formally received into the NDC in Abuja on Tuesday, where he also declared his support for the party’s presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former SGF said his decision to return to active politics was influenced by concerns over insecurity, economic hardship, poverty, hunger and other challenges confronting Nigerians.
Speaking after his reception into the party, Lawal said Nigerians who were concerned about the difficulties facing the country should consider supporting the NDC.
He specifically cited insecurity, hunger, economic deprivation, ignorance and disease among the issues influencing his political decision.
Lawal said he had previously considered withdrawing from active politics but changed his mind after reflecting on the future of Nigeria and younger generations.
He also said his objective was to contribute to efforts aimed at improving security, economic prosperity and national unity.
The former SGF further endorsed the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket, saying the records of the two politicians in Anambra and Kano states could provide a basis for their approach to national governance.
Lawal’s move to the NDC follows his resignation from the ADC on June 1, 2026.
At the time, he alleged that the ADC’s presidential primary had been manipulated in favour of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Lawal said he could not remain in a party whose primary process he considered fundamentally flawed, alleging that results had been altered to favour Atiku and his supporters.
Those allegations were Lawal’s account of the primary process and were not established as fact by the reports reviewed. Channels Television similarly reported that he alleged irregularities in the primary before announcing his resignation.
Receiving Lawal into the party, NDC National Leader Seriake Dickson described the former SGF as an experienced political organiser and mobiliser with extensive knowledge of Nigerian politics.
Dickson said Lawal would coordinate NDC activities and provide leadership for the party’s campaigns in the North-East, while also overseeing operations in the North-Central zone.
The NDC leader said the party expected Lawal to use his political experience and network to strengthen its structures, help resolve organisational challenges and provide guidance to candidates and campaign teams in the affected areas.
Dickson also said the party would draw on Lawal’s experience beyond the two zones as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.
Dickson also addressed the role of support groups associated with the Obi-Kwankwaso political movement.
He said the NDC recognised the importance of such groups in grassroots mobilisation but expected them to operate alongside the political party rather than take over its formal functions.
According to Dickson, support groups would be expected to mobilise voters, promote the party and its candidates, and connect grassroots supporters with the NDC’s campaign structures.
His comments followed controversy surrounding a presidential campaign council announced by an Obi-Kwankwaso support movement, which the NDC leadership said was not constituted by the party.
The NDC said it would continue consultations with support groups while working towards establishing its official campaign structure for the 2027 elections.
Lawal’s entry into the NDC comes as the party steps up preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Recent reports indicate that the party has also begun moves to organise and train polling agents nationwide, with state and local government structures directed to compile lists of agents for the various elections.
Lawal’s political movement from the ADC to the NDC therefore adds another development to the evolving opposition landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
His latest decision also places him in a formal political role within the NDC after his earlier decision to leave the ADC and temporarily indicate that he might retire from active politics.
