Atiku Fires Back at Babachir Lawal Over Rigging Claims, Demands Proof
Former Vice President dismisses allegations surrounding ADC presidential primary, accuses ex-SGF of peddling bitterness and unsubstantiated claims.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly rejected allegations by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, regarding the conduct of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary. Atiku’s camp challenged Lawal to provide concrete evidence for his claims, insisting that the accusations are politically motivated and unsupported by facts.
A fresh war of words has erupted within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar challenged former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, to produce evidence supporting allegations that the party’s presidential primary was manipulated.
In a strongly worded statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku dismissed Lawal’s allegations as a mixture of bitterness, speculation and political revisionism.
The former Vice President argued that despite making serious accusations during a recent television interview, Lawal failed to present any credible proof to support his claims.
‘Where Is The Evidence?’
According to Atiku’s camp, Nigerians who watched the interview witnessed a series of allegations unsupported by facts, documents or witnesses.
“No document. No petition. No result sheet. No witness statement. No recording. Nothing,” the statement said.
Atiku maintained that Lawal spent considerable time making accusations but failed to provide any verifiable evidence that the ADC primary election was rigged.
The former Vice President also faulted what he described as contradictions in Lawal’s argument.
According to Atiku, Lawal portrayed him as politically irrelevant while simultaneously suggesting he had enough influence to manipulate a nationwide primary election process.
“Such arguments are not merely implausible; they are insulting to the intelligence of party members whose democratic choices he now seeks to invalidate,” the statement added.
Atiku argued that the claims undermine the decisions of thousands of party members who participated in the primary process.
‘Disappointed Political Actor’
The statement further suggested that Lawal’s criticisms stemmed from dissatisfaction over the outcome of the primary election.
According to Atiku’s camp, Lawal openly supported another aspirant and had expected that candidate to emerge victorious.
As a result, the former Vice President alleged that the criticism was driven more by disappointment than genuine concerns about the integrity of the process.
Atiku Defends His Political Legacy
Responding to comments that allegedly questioned his political relevance, Atiku highlighted his contributions to Nigeria’s economic and political development.
The statement cited his role in telecommunications reforms, private sector growth, economic liberalisation and educational development as evidence of his public service record.
‘This Is Our Final Response’
Atiku’s media team described the statement as its final response to the controversy, insisting that no amount of political attacks or personal bitterness could alter the outcome of the primary election.
The development marks the latest chapter in growing tensions within opposition political circles ahead of the 2027 general elections.
