Tinubu would emerge victorious over Atiku if the outcome is manipulated, says Babachir Lawal

Babachir Lawal, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has made a bold claim that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would be a formidable force to defeat if the 2027 presidential election outcome is swayed by electoral manipulation.

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Lawal expressed this sentiment during an interview on Channels Television's Politics Today, which aired on Monday, where he also asserted that no current politician can outmaneuver Tinubu in the realm of election rigging.

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When asked about the president's chances of winning in 2027, Lawal responded with a single word: "Landslide," before adding "He'll rig everybody."

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Lawal further emphasized that if election rigging is the primary criterion for winning in Nigeria, then President Tinubu is unparalleled, and even someone like Atiku Abubakar, who is known for manipulating results, would be outdone by the president.

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Lawal's comments came at a time of significant political realignments ahead of the next general election, and shortly after his departure from the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

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The former SGF also criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, dismissing any notion that he might support Atiku's presidential bid, citing his reservations about Atiku's leadership record and political antecedents.

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According to Lawal, Atiku's presidency would be even worse than that of President Tinubu, a sentiment he based on his assessment of the former vice president's past actions and decisions.

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Lawal stated that he is unwilling to back any political project that could lead to regrets, emphasizing that the kind of leadership Nigeria needs is not embodied by Atiku's candidacy.

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Lawal also criticized Atiku for his perceived lack of engagement with the country's security challenges, including the rising cases of killings and kidnappings across various parts of Nigeria.

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Despite his criticisms of both leading political figures, Lawal clarified that he has not endorsed any presidential aspirant for the 2027 election, saying "I am supporting nobody, I don't want to be part of anything for now."

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Regarding his next political move, Lawal said he is still in the process of consulting and has not yet decided which platform, if any, he will join, following his resignation from the ADC.

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His decision to leave the ADC was announced on Monday, with Lawal alleging that the party's recent presidential primary was manipulated in favor of Atiku, with results altered to produce a predetermined outcome.

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Lawal claimed that even in areas where voting took place, successful candidates were replaced by individuals loyal to the former vice president, describing the ADC as a "rigging machine" ahead of the 2027 elections.

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The ADC leadership, however, has denied these allegations, maintaining that the primary election was conducted transparently and reflected the wishes of party members, with Atiku emerging as the winner after defeating former Governor Rotimi Amaechi and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.