ABUJA — Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and estranged political ally of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Babachir David Lawal, has launched a scathing attack on the president, alleging that millions of dollars were paid to northern governors to secure his presidential nomination and eventual electoral victory.

Lawal, who fell out with Tinubu over the All Progressives Congress (APC) Muslim-Muslim ticket ahead of the 2023 presidential election, claimed that the president has surrendered effective leadership of his administration in pursuit of personal interests.

Allegations of Financial Inducement and Surrendered Power

In his latest public outburst criticizing the leadership trajectory of the ruling administration, the former SGF described a stark transformation in Tinubu’s political persona:

• “Lost His Soul”: “Tinubu has lost his soul having gone to this government. He was someone that liked to be in charge but suddenly he’s no more in charge & he doesn’t care as far as he is getting his own share of whatever he’s looking for,” Lawal asserted.
• Financial Allegations: The former SGF alleged that the presidential primary and election victory were enabled by massive financial inducements, claiming that “millions of dollars allegedly exchanged hands between Tinubu and the northern governors” to secure their political backing during the 2023 contest.
• Critique of Northern Policies: Lawal further backed recent assertions by former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, accusing the administration of neglecting key infrastructure and economic interests across Northern Nigeria while running a skewed governance model.

Rejection and Counter-Accusations

Supporters of the administration and APC loyalists have routinely dismissed Lawal’s criticisms as the bitter ramblings of a frustrated politician who lost influence after being sidelined during the 2023 vice-presidential selection process.

  BABACHIR LAWAL'S CLAIMS:   Financial inducements to northern govs; president passive in governance.
  PRESIDENCY & APC STANCE:   Allegations baseless; motivated by post-2023 political frustration.
  HISTORICAL ALLIANCE:       Former close allies during 2015–2023 APC formation & campaign cycles.

Spokespersons for the ruling party and presidency maintain that northern governors backed Tinubu during the 2023 APC primary based on democratic principles of power rotation between the North and South, rejecting claims of monetary inducements or regional marginalization.