Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has issued a bold warning to elected officials in northern Nigeria, urging them to defect from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) if they wish to stand a chance in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Trust TV, Lawal didn’t mince words as he declared the APC a “destructive party” that has failed Nigerians, especially the North. According to him, the party’s legacy of poor performance and marginalisation has made it nearly impossible for northern politicians to campaign under its banner.
“Which northern elected official will go to campaign on the platform of the APC this coming election? Nobody,” he said. “Unless they join the ADC, they will not win.”
Lawal, now aligned with the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), revealed that the party is already in talks with several governors in the region. He stressed that most of them may have no choice but to switch sides if they want to remain politically relevant.
Beyond politics, Lawal also echoed recent criticisms made by Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, highlighting what he called the neglect of northern Nigeria by President Tinubu’s administration. He cited a total lack of visible infrastructure projects, lamenting the absence of meaningful development across the region.
“We don’t see any construction work. No federal government project whatsoever. Maybe in their imagination or spirit — but not in reality,” he said.
Lawal emphasized that both he and Kwankwaso, being engineers by training, can easily spot the absence of real development, adding weight to their concerns.
His comments reflect a growing frustration among northern elites who feel left behind in national planning. As the countdown to 2027 begins, all eyes will be on whether loyalty to party or survival in politics will determine the next moves of northern politicians.
