By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The media team of former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the 2027 election, Atiku Abubakar, has launched a scathing attack on former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, over remarks made following his resignation from the party.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, the Atiku Media Office described Lawal’s allegations against Atiku as false, malicious and lacking any factual basis. The media office said while Lawal was within his rights to leave the ADC, he was not entitled to tarnish the reputation of the former vice president through what it called “fabricated and brazen lies.”
The statement particularly rejected claims that Atiku was guilty of religious bigotry or nepotism, describing the allegations as “ridiculous” and contrary to the former vice president’s political record. According to the media office, Atiku remains one of Nigeria’s most liberal politicians, with a track record that can be independently verified.
The Atiku camp further accused Lawal of projecting his own character flaws onto others, alleging that the former SGF thrives on divisive politics and pursues personal ambitions by exploiting ethnic and religious sentiments. It claimed that many of Lawal’s political disputes stem from selfish interests rather than a commitment to national development.
The statement also dismissed Lawal’s claim that he left the ADC because of alleged manipulation and rigging during the party’s primaries, noting that he had failed to provide evidence to support the accusations. It argued that instead of substantiating his claims, Lawal unnecessarily dragged Atiku’s family into the controversy.
According to the media office, Lawal’s comments revealed a deep-seated personal animosity towards Atiku. It described the former SGF as a “conflict entrepreneur” who was unqualified to determine what is best for Nigeria.
The Atiku Media Office urged Lawal to refrain from promoting division and religious intolerance for political gain. It stressed that political parties in Nigeria should not be defined by religious identities and advised aggrieved politicians to pursue legitimate channels for addressing complaints rather than making unsubstantiated public allegations.
The statement therefore described Lawal’s outburst as irresponsible for a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation to act in a manner capable of deepening divisions among Nigerians.
