Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has said the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would suffer a decisive defeat in the 2027 general elections if the polls are conducted in a free and fair manner.
Lawal, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the claim on Wednesday while appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he accused the current administration of attempting to entrench a one-party system.
He alleged that the government is aware it cannot win in a credible election, insisting that it would “lose woefully” if the process is not manipulated.
According to him, “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.”
When asked whether the ADC had empirical evidence to support its position, Lawal said the party had data but declined to make it public, describing it as internal party information.
His comments come amid a dispute between the ADC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the commission’s decision to suspend recognition of the David Mark-led National Working Committee and other party factions pending a court ruling.
INEC had also stated that 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 successful.
Defending the legality of the exercise, the former SGF said the party acted on legal advice and dismissed INEC’s position, insisting that the electoral body does not have final authority on such matters.
“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 said.
Lawal added that while the ADC has policy solutions for Nigeria’s challenges, its immediate focus is to remove the current administration from office.
