Babachir Lawal: Hayatu-Deen Is More Competent Than Atiku

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has stated that African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential aspirant, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, is more competent than the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

According to Ireporter Online, Lawal made the remark on Monday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he compared the professional backgrounds and political experiences of both men.

He argued that Atiku’s long-standing political career could not be equated with Hayatu-Deen’s record in professional and leadership roles, insisting that both individuals operate on different levels of competence.

Responding to a question on whether Hayatu-Deen was more competent than Atiku, Lawal said there was no basis for comparison between the two politicians.

“Hayatu-Deen is more competent than Atiku. They can’t even be in the same boat. They are not on the same boat and are not possibly talking about the same sea,” he said, referencing Hayatu-Deen’s tenure as Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG).

Atiku Abubakar and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen both contested in the ADC presidential primary ahead of the 2027 general election, where Atiku emerged victorious, while Rotimi Amaechi came second and Hayatu-Deen placed third.

In a related development, Lawal also alleged that the ADC primary election was rigged, claiming he observed irregularities during the exercise in his capacity as former National Vice Chairman (North-East).

He maintained that he had evidence of malpractice, insisting that allegations of denial from Atiku’s supporters were untrue.

“I was in the field during the exercise, so I have evidence. Atiku’s people are the ones lying by trying to deny what they did. I knew the primary was rigged at the point it was being done and the results being declared,” he added.