Babachir Lawal Defects to NDC, Backs Obi-Kwankwaso Ticket for 2027

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal has formally joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), three months after quitting the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Lawal announced his defection in Abuja on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, and declared full support for the NDC’s presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking after he was received into the party by NDC National Leader Senator Seriake Dickson and members of the National Working Committee, Lawal urged Nigerians worried about insecurity, hunger, ignorance and disease to back the NDC.

“Anybody in Nigeria who has the interest of our country at heart and sympathy for the suffering that is ongoing in our country, along with insecurity, hunger, ignorance and disease, will have no choice but to join a party that represents the future and have Peter and Kwankwaso as their candidates,” he said.

“Every sensible and patriotic Nigerian ought to understand this. It is now convincing to partner with the NDC to see to the fulfilment of the very noble objective of installing Obi as the president and Kwankwaso as vice president. So, by the grace of God, we look forward to May 29, 2027, to celebrate the feat properly for the good of the country, and future of generations yet unborn.”

Dickson welcomed Lawal, describing him as a seasoned political mobiliser and activist. He assigned the former SGF a leadership role overseeing NDC activities and campaigns in the North-East geopolitical zone.

Lawal left the ADC about three months earlier after accusing the party of manipulating its presidential primary to favour former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

In his resignation statement, he said the process was fundamentally flawed, with results allegedly altered and legitimate winners replaced in some areas.