Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal, has accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of being disconnected from the realities and sufferings of ordinary Nigerians, questioning his leadership credentials ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Lawal made the remarks on Tuesday during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, where he spoke on opposition coalition politics, internal party democracy and the future of Nigeria’s political landscape.
The former SGF, who recently resigned from the African Democratic Congress following disagreements over the party’s presidential primary, said leadership should be measured by empathy, visibility and engagement with citizens during periods of national hardship.
According to him, Atiku has consistently failed to identify with communities affected by insecurity and violence across the country.
“Have you ever seen Atiku pay condolence to communities where they were ravaged by this insurgency? Never. Have you ever heard him condemn Boko Haram killings? Never,” Lawal said.
He added, “This man is completely detached from what is bothering Nigerians. Completely detached.”
Lawal argued that aspiring leaders must demonstrate compassion and solidarity with citizens, particularly those facing the consequences of terrorism, kidnappings and economic hardship.
The former SGF also criticised opposition coalition politics, alleging that personal ambition often overrides national interest among political actors.
“I don’t know. All Nigerian politicians are all the same. It turns out that everybody would join into a coalition just for the sole purpose of being the sole candidate of the coalition,” he said.
“As soon as the environment begins to reveal to them that they might not be the sole candidate or the sole beneficiaries of the coalition, they begin to move and look for alternatives.”
Speaking on his involvement in the ADC coalition project, Lawal said he joined the initiative out of concern for Nigeria’s future and not because of personal political ambition.
“I was one of the early founding members of ADC, not because I was desirous of any political elective course or political appointment. But I thought that the coalition that will salvage Nigeria from Tinubu’s disastrous policies was necessary,” he stated.
Lawal further criticised what he described as irregularities in internal party processes, warning that manipulation of primaries and consensus arrangements could undermine democratic credibility.
“We have issues with electoral processes, but what is important is that we will never be part of anything that will truncate democracy in Nigeria,” he said.
The former SGF also assessed potential opposition contenders ahead of the 2027 election, describing businessman Mohammad Hayatu-Deen as one of the most competent figures within the opposition space.
“On basis of merit, on basis of competence, capabilities, Hayatudeen tops them all, because he’s a very well-rounded corporate guru,” Lawal said.
He maintained that Nigeria’s future depends on leaders who possess competence, national appeal and the capacity to unite the country while addressing insecurity and economic challenges.
