Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has formally joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), declaring that he regrets working with what he described as “crooked leaders” in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Lawal was received into the NDC on Tuesday in Abuja by the party’s National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, at a ceremony where he was formally presented with the party’s membership card.
Speaking at the event, Lawal said his decision to join the NDC was driven by what he described as the worsening security and economic conditions in the country, including insecurity, hunger, poverty and disease.
He said Nigerians who were concerned about the future of the country should support the NDC presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
“Every sensible Nigerian, every patriotic Nigerian ought to understand this and it is now convincing to partner with the NDC to seek the fulfillment of this very noble patriotic objective of the installation of Peter Obi as president and Rabiu Kwankwaso as vice president,” Lawal said.
He said Nigerians should look forward to May 29, 2027, when, according to him, the country would celebrate what he described as a decision to do what was right for the nation and generations yet unborn.
Lawal recalled his political journey in the APC, saying he remained in the party when it produced former President Muhammadu Buhari as its presidential candidate because he considered Buhari a man of integrity and honesty.
“We remained there, Buhari finished his tenure and retired from politics. I had tried to continue in APC. You are aware that I played a very active role leading up to the convention,” he said.
However, the former SGF said his position changed after the APC subsequently produced a presidential candidate whom he described as a “crook” and accused of prioritising personal interests over the country.
He also criticised the performance of the present administration, arguing that Nigerians who desired a different direction for the country after 2027 should vote against the ruling party.
Lawal said he and other Nigerians had previously worked to establish a political structure capable of addressing insecurity and improving the economy, but alleged that the system was subsequently infiltrated by people pursuing personal interests.
“Rather than stay there and partner with evil, I decided that I would better retire from politics. If Nigerians sit idly by while the system is populated by crooks manipulating the system to their own advantage, what can we do?” he asked.
He explained that although he initially intended to remain retired from active politics, concerns about the conditions facing Nigerians, including young people around him, eventually prompted him to reconsider.
According to him, poverty, hunger and insecurity affecting children, friends, neighbours and colleagues made it difficult for him to remain on the sidelines.
“I found no other choice than to join the NDC,” he said.
The former SGF said the NDC was different from other political parties, arguing that the party had presented candidates whom he described as having the integrity and experience required to lead the country.
He described Obi as a man of integrity and Kwankwaso as a politician who cared about his people, adding that both had left what he described as significant records during their respective tenures as governors.
“It is obvious and clear that this pair will also do for Nigeria what they did for their states. What other choice do we have as patriotic Nigerians than to partner with NDC to support this cause?” Lawal said.
He added: “I have made a proper choice by coming out of retirement to join Peter Obi to make him President of Nigeria.”
Lawal appealed for God’s grace and the support of Nigerians as the NDC prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Earlier, Dickson welcomed Lawal to the NDC, describing his entry into the party as a major boost to its political activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
Dickson described Lawal as a major political figure with extensive experience in mobilisation, organisation and political activism.
“This afternoon we have an august visitor. A timber and caliber, mover and shaker. Someone that a number of people, including me, would like to get to his level. Babachir Lawal does not need any introduction,” Dickson said.
He said Lawal had experienced different political parties and administrations and had witnessed what he described as the failure of successive political platforms to deliver on promises of change.
Dickson said Lawal’s decision to join the NDC therefore represented a significant political statement.
The NDC National Leader, who received Lawal on behalf of the party’s National Working Committee, Obi and Kwankwaso, announced that the former SGF would take a leadership role overseeing the party’s activities and campaigns in the North-East and North-Central zones.
He added that Lawal would also play central roles in the party’s activities across the country.
Dickson also addressed various support groups associated with the NDC presidential ticket, including the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya movements, urging them to understand their roles within the party structure.
According to him, support groups should mobilise grassroots support for the party’s candidates rather than attempt to sponsor candidates, establish campaign councils or compete with the party.
Dickson described the NDC as a growing opposition platform and said the party had a dedicated department responsible for coordinating support groups.
He expressed appreciation to Lawal for what he described as his humility, patriotism and years of public service, adding that his political contacts and networks would be deployed in the party’s nationwide campaign.
The event ended with the formal presentation of the NDC membership card to Lawal, amid cheers from party leaders and supporters.
