2027: Tinubu Would Win Easily If Rigging Prevails, Babachir Lawal Claims
By Rita Onuoha
E-ISSN:2354-4481
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has said that President Bola Tinubu would be difficult to defeat in the 2027 presidential election if electoral manipulation becomes the determining factor.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Lawal argued that the President possesses significant political influence and strategic advantage in electoral contests, particularly in a system where rigging rather than credible voting determines outcomes.
He made the comments while assessing the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections and responding to questions about Tinubu’s perceived advantage over potential challengers.
According to him, “If the parameter for winning elections in Nigeria is rigging, nobody can face Bola Tinubu in this country,” adding that any opponent relying on electoral manipulation would be outmatched.
Lawal also criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, dismissing his presidential ambition and questioning his capacity to provide effective leadership for Nigeria.
He stated that based on his personal assessment of Atiku’s political history, a potential Atiku administration would perform worse than the current government led by Tinubu.
The former SGF further maintained that he does not intend to support any presidential aspirant at this stage, including former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi, insisting he remains politically neutral for now.
Lawal recently resigned from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a decision he linked to alleged irregularities during the party’s presidential primary.
He accused party leaders of manipulating the process in favour of Atiku, claiming the outcome was predetermined and did not reflect a fair contest.
However, the ADC has denied the allegations, insisting that its presidential primary was conducted transparently and credibly
The party had earlier declared Atiku as the inner of its presidential ticket after he defeated former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.
With Tinubu emerging as the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), political alignments are beginning to take shape ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive 2027 presidential election.
