The camp of African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has rejected allegations by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, that the party’s presidential primary was manipulated.
Lawal had announced his exit from the party on Monday, claiming the primary election was rigged in favour of Atiku.
Atiku’s Aide Demands Evidence
Responding to the allegation, Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phark Shaibu, said Lawal failed to provide any evidence to support his claims.
“Having chosen to malign a democratic process, insult thousands of ADC members nationwide, and make grave allegations without presenting a shred of evidence, it has become necessary to set the record straight,” Shaibu said.
According to him, the primary election was conducted across thousands of wards and produced a clear outcome that reflected the wishes of party members.
“The truth is straightforward. The ADC presidential primaries were conducted across thousands of wards and produced a clear and decisive outcome. What Mr Lawal has offered Nigerians is not evidence,” he added.
Questions Over Adamawa Outcome
Shaibu also questioned Lawal’s criticism of the process, noting that the same primary election produced a result favourable to his family in Adamawa State.
He referenced the emergence of Omar Suleiman, described as Lawal’s cousin, as the ADC governorship candidate in the state.
“Nigerians are entitled to ask whether the process was only credible when it favoured his family and only rigged when it produced a presidential candidate he did not support,” Shaibu said.
Religious Allegation Dismissed
The Atiku camp also rejected Lawal’s allegation that the former vice president was pursuing a religious agenda.
Shaibu argued that Lawal had turned to identity politics after failing to convince party members to support his preferred candidate.
“Having failed to persuade ADC members to embrace his preferred candidate, he now seeks refuge in the divisive politics of identity,” he said.
He added that such arguments do not address the economic and security challenges facing Nigerians.
2027 Election Will Be Decided by Voters
Shaibu maintained that Atiku’s public record and business achievements remain well known to Nigerians, describing him as committed to national unity and economic reforms.
He stressed that the outcome of the 2027 election would ultimately be determined by voters rather than post-primary disputes.
“The 2027 election will not be decided by tantrums, ethnic dog whistles, recycled grievances, or revisionist history. It will be decided by the Nigerian people,” he said.