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Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has made fresh allegations against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, claiming that the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) once withdrew a public condemnation issued after the killing of Deborah Samuel in Sokoto State.
Lawal made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Monday, where he also repeated earlier claims about internal politics within the ADC and the credibility of its presidential primary election.
According to him, Atiku had initially issued a press statement condemning the murder of Deborah Samuel, a student killed in Sokoto over alleged blasphemy, but allegedly reversed his position the following day.
“When Deborah Samuel was brutally murdered in Sokoto, Atiku issued a press release condemning the action; the following day, he withdrew it and apologised, saying it was his pressmen that issued it without his approval,” Lawal alleged.
He used the claim to question Atiku’s consistency and sympathy toward victims of violence and terrorism, arguing that such conduct raises concerns about leadership credibility.
Lawal further maintained that the ADC presidential primary election was manipulated, insisting that he had evidence of irregularities in the process, although he did not provide documentary proof during the interview.
“I have evidence that the ADC primary election was rigged,” he said, adding that he would be prepared to substantiate his claims when required.
The former SGF also revisited his controversial remark on political funding, stating that if he needed money for political activities, he could easily contact President Bola Tinubu and receive support within a short time.
“If I want money to do politics, I’d phone Bola Tinubu here, and I am sure before I get home, they’d give me the money. Hayatu-Deen has no money to give now,” he added.
Lawal also dismissed allegations that he collected money from ADC presidential aspirant Mohammed Hayatu-Deen during the party’s primary process.
His comments have continued to generate mixed reactions across political circles, with supporters and critics debating both his claims about Atiku and his allegations of electoral manipulation within the ADC.
Supporters of Atiku have dismissed the allegations, insisting that the former vice president has a long record in public service and remains a key figure in Nigeria’s opposition politics.
As of press time, neither Atiku Abubakar nor the ADC had issued an official response to Lawal’s latest claims.
