Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has claimed that Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, won the last presidential election and not President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

 

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Lawal, now a leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said his assertion was based on data and field reports gathered during the polls.

 

“Peter Obi won that election; that was according to the true results. We had the data, we had politicians and agents on the field, and we know the exact point at which the results were altered,” Lawal stated.

 

However, he admitted that the political landscape has since shifted, adding that it was uncertain whether Obi could repeat the same performance in 2027.

 

On the 2027 presidency, Lawal said power should go to a leader who would give all Nigerians a sense of belonging and justice. He hinted that northern political elites would likely support a candidate from the ADC who understands and prioritises their interests.

 

Lawal expressed confidence that the opposition coalition ADC could win the 2027 general elections, citing public dissatisfaction with current government policies.

 

“Solutions to Nigeria’s problems require having the instruments of power and coercion. Without control of the military, you can’t compel the right actions to end insurgency and banditry,” he said.

 

The former SGF revealed that he is part of the Nigerian People’s Consultative Political Forum (North), a coalition of northern politicians outside government aimed at fostering regional unity and bloc voting in 2027.

 

Commenting on his removal from office during the Buhari administration, Lawal claimed it was orchestrated by those seeking to sever his close relationship with the former president.

 

On his frosty relationship with President Tinubu, he remarked:

 

“Tinubu thinks I offended him; I didn’t. He offended me. He is full of himself.”

 

Lawal also admitted he had no personal ambition to run for office, joking:

 

“Nobody will vote for me because even my wife will not vote for me.”