Babachir Lawal, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) under President Muhammadu Buhari, has officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) with immediate effect.
His resignation letter, dated June 29, 2025, stated, “I write to formally notify you of my resignation from the All Progressives Congress. In due course, I will make public my current political affiliation, where I plan to join compatriots to work towards making Nigeria a better living place for all citizens. This resignation takes immediate effect. Please remain blessed and extend my warm regards to members of your party.”
Lawal’s decision to leave the APC is seen as a significant move ahead of the 2027 general elections, where he is expected to join forces with an opposition coalition aiming to unseat President Bola Tinubu. The coalition, led by prominent figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, has adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform.
In a recent interview, Lawal emphasized that the coalition is an independent initiative, with Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi involved but not as official representatives of their current parties. He also ruled out forming a new party, citing the unrealistic timeframe for registration and stabilization before the 2027 elections.
Lawal explained that some parties had court cases, leadership tussles, or were simply unwilling to make room for new leadership, but they found the ADC to be welcoming and viable. Lawal’s resignation has sparked speculation about his next move, with many believing he will join the ADC coalition.
His departure from the APC is seen as a sign of discontent within the party’s ranks, particularly among veterans of the Buhari-era inner circle. Lawal’s experience and influence could potentially impact Nigeria’s political dynamics, especially as the nation navigates its complex governance challenges.
