…Onanuga: A close ally has destroyed Atiku
…Supporters: Former SGF an inconsequential politician
By Abu Adamu:
The post-primary crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) deepened on Monday as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir David Lawal engaged in a bitter war of words following Lawal’s dramatic resignation from the party over allegations that its presidential primary was manipulated in favour of Atiku.
Lawal, who announced his exit in a lengthy statement titled The Kachalla Series Part 1, described the ADC primary as a “disgraceful charade,” alleging that results at various levels were either written, rewritten, or altered to ensure victory for Atiku and his loyalists. He claimed that in some cases, candidates who emerged from voting were allegedly replaced by individuals loyal to the former vice president.
The former SGF said he could not remain in what he described as Atiku’s “rigging machine” ahead of the 2027 general election, accusing the ADC presidential candidate and his associates of pursuing ethnic and religious dominance. In a blistering attack, Lawal argued that supporting Atiku’s presidential ambition would ultimately hand President Bola Ahmed Tinubu an easier path to re-election, while questioning the opposition figure’s competence and leadership credentials.
However, Atiku’s camp swiftly dismissed the allegations as false, malicious, and unsupported by evidence. In a statement issued by the Atiku Media Office, the former vice president’s team said Lawal was entitled to leave the party but had no justification for spreading what it described as “fabricated and brazen lies” against Atiku.
The media office maintained that Atiku’s long political career reflected inclusiveness, tolerance, and national unity, rejecting suggestions that he harboured ethnic or religious biases. It further accused Lawal of pursuing personal ambitions and promoting divisive narratives after failing to achieve his political objectives within the party.
“Atiku remains one of Nigeria’s most liberal politicians with a verifiable record of national engagement,” the statement said, adding that Lawal had failed to provide any proof to substantiate claims of manipulation or rigging during the primaries. The media office also criticised the former SGF for dragging Atiku’s family into the controversy, insisting that such references were irrelevant to concerns about the conduct of the election.
The controversy quickly drew reactions from the Presidency, with presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga suggesting that Lawal’s attack had inflicted more damage on Atiku than any criticism from government officials.
“We have not fired any bullet against veteran presidential runner and northern hegemonic Abubakar Atiku yet. But a close ally just destroyed Atiku in many unflattering words,” Onanuga wrote on social media, adding that the development should serve as a warning to the former vice president.
Meanwhile, Lawal’s resignation and allegations triggered a storm of reactions online.
While a handful of commentators praised former SGF Babachir David Lawal for speaking out, the overwhelming tone of reactions on social media was one of mockery, with many users dismissing his allegations against ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar as the outburst of a disgruntled politician.
Several commenters revived references to the infamous “grass-cutter” controversy that dogged Lawal during his time in government. Hamid Sodiq Ayobami sarcastically wrote: “Mr Grasscutter is so vexed this morning. What really happened?” while MB Yahaya suggested that Lawal had abandoned the ADC because he discovered “the grass is not going to be cut easily.”
Comrade Idris Omuya Ihima was even more scathing, saying there were many people whose opinions he would take seriously “not someone who is involved in grass cutter gate,” adding that Lawal’s complaints sounded like mere lamentations because the outcome of the primary did not favour him.
Others portrayed the former SGF as a politician frustrated by his inability to influence the primary outcome. BM Abdull dismissed his allegations outright, arguing that Lawal lacked the political clout to determine electoral outcomes and should “leave the matter for those who understand politics.”
Some users accused Lawal of hypocrisy. Muhammad Zubairu argued that Atiku had previously shown him considerable goodwill, alleging that Lawal had played a role in sidelining several influential politicians within the ADC before eventually walking away from the party. “After reshaping the party structure to his advantage at every turn, BD is now walking out. What a man BD is,” he remarked sarcastically.
Others suggested Lawal’s resignation was motivated by personal disappointment rather than principle. Peter Sunday claimed that the real objective had been to stop Atiku from winning the primaries but that the former vice president had once again prevailed. “The aim was to stop Atiku from winning the primaries and if possible the general elections, but he’s always a step ahead,” he wrote.
Henry Zira mocked the unfolding drama, claiming that a political associate had earlier predicted that Lawal would eventually undermine Atiku’s project from within. He sarcastically congratulated the former SGF, describing him as the “Kakachir of ADC” after what he termed a completed mission.
Even some commenters who did not defend Atiku directly questioned Lawal’s consistency. Abubakar Abba Sanusi joked that perhaps the former SGF should have waited a little longer because “he might have been given some grass to cut” if Atiku eventually became president.