Atiku Receives ‘Bitter Divorce’ From Babachir Lawal” – Presidency

According to Ireporter Online, the Presidency has reacted to the resignation of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing it as a major setback for the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

Babachir Lawal, in a statement issued on Monday, June 1, 2026, announced his exit from the ADC, alleging that the party’s recently concluded primaries were heavily manipulated in favour of Atiku Abubakar. He claimed the process lacked transparency and was deliberately structured to produce predetermined outcomes, which he said undermined internal democracy within the party.

The former SGF further accused key stakeholders of remaining silent in the face of what he described as glaring irregularities, noting that such conduct was unacceptable and influenced his decision to quit the party. He also declared his opposition to Atiku’s reported presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections, arguing that supporting him could inadvertently strengthen President Bola Tinubu’s chances of re-election.

Reacting via a post on X, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described Lawal’s resignation as a significant blow to Atiku’s camp, stating that it amounted to a “stinging rebuke” and what he termed a “bitter divorce” from the opposition politician.