Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) under President Muhammadu Buhari, Babachir Lawal, has formally resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) with immediate effect.
Lawal, a vocal critic of the current administration, announced his resignation in a letter dated June 29, 2025, addressed to the Chairman of his APC ward, Bangshika Ward, Hong Local Government Area, in Adamawa State.
“I write to formally notify you of my resignation from the All Progressive Congress,” Lawal stated in the letter.
“In due course, I will make public my current political affiliations where I plan to join other compatriots to work towards making Nigeria a better living place for all its citizens. This resignation takes immediate effect. Please, remain blessed and extend my warm regards to other members of your party.”
Lawal is now a key member of an emerging political coalition aiming to unseat President Bola Tinubu and displace the ruling APC in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
The coalition, which includes heavyweight politicians such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, has chosen the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform going forward.
Speaking to DAILY GAZETTE, Lawal revealed that the coalition had decided against forming a brand-new political party.
“We’ve concluded that we are joining an existing party. Critical members have already resigned to make room for new leadership,” he explained.
On why the coalition abandoned efforts to register a new political platform, Lawal cited legal complications and internal resistance within some smaller parties.
“Some parties had court cases, leadership tussles, or were simply unwilling to make room for us. But we’ve found one that is both welcoming and viable,” he noted.
Lawal also responded to efforts by Dr. Usman Ardo, a former ally, who is leading a splinter group in pursuit of registering a new party called the All Democratic Alliance (ADA).
“Ardo has been name-dropping without authorisation. While we can’t stop him from trying to register a party, we’re focused on what is realistic. There’s simply not enough time to register and stabilise a new party before the 2027 election campaigns begin,” he said.
Despite their backgrounds in the APC, Lawal insists the coalition is independent and distinct from any existing party structure.
“Many of us are former APC members,” he said.
“Atiku and (Peter) Obi are with us, but not as official emissaries of their current platforms. This is an independent initiative aimed at providing a genuine alternative for Nigerians.”
