A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has said the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would suffer a decisive defeat if the 2027 elections are conducted in a free and fair manner.
Lawal, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the assertion on Wednesday while appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he accused the current administration of attempting to entrench a one-party system.
“They want a one-party system. Look, it is very clear, every Nigerian understands that this government cannot afford to go to an election in a free and fair manner because they will lose woefully,” he said.
Asked whether the ADC had empirical data to support the claim, Lawal answered in the affirmative but declined to make the figures public, describing them as internal party information.
His comments come amid a standoff between the ADC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following the commission’s decision to suspend recognition of the David Mark-led National Working Committee and other factions pending the outcome of a court case.
INEC had also announced it would not monitor the party’s congresses and convention. Despite this, the ADC proceeded with its internal processes, culminating in its national convention on Tuesday, which Lawal described as a success.
Defending the legitimacy of the exercise, the former SGF said the party acted on legal advice and dismissed INEC’s position.
“We don’t listen to INEC. They are not the Appeal Court, they are not the Supreme Court, not even the High Court. So, INEC can say whatever they want to say. We are going to be on the ballot whatever INEC says; we are going to participate in this election,” he stated.
Lawal added that while the ADC has solutions to Nigeria’s problems, its immediate priority is to dislodge the current administration.
“First thing first, we have the solution… But first thing first, stop this government from continuing with what they have started,” he said.
