Babachir Lawal Resigns From APC

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has officially resigned from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

EKO HOT BLOG reports that Lawal submitted his resignation letter to the APC chairman in Bangshika Ward, Hong Local Government Area, Adamawa State. In a personally signed statement, Lawal said he would announce his new political affiliation at a later time.

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“I write to formally notify you of my resignation from the All Progressives Congress, APC. In due course, I will make public my current political affiliation, where I plan to join compatriots to work towards making Nigeria a better place for all citizens. This resignation takes immediate effect,” the statement read.

He thanked the party leadership and extended his regards to other members.

Meanwhile, the APC has accused Lawal of embarking on a campaign of bitterness against President Bola Tinubu following his failure to secure the vice presidential ticket ahead of the 2023 general elections.

The APC National Vice Chairman (South-East), Ijeoma Arodiogbu, told Punch that Lawal’s persistent criticism of Tinubu’s administration, particularly over the Muslim-Muslim ticket, was motivated by personal disappointment rather than principle.

Arodiogbu alleged that Lawal’s alliance with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai was part of his long-standing opposition to President Tinubu.

He defended Tinubu’s decision to select former Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, as his running mate, describing it as a strategic step to secure northern votes, despite the backlash it received from some Christian leaders within the APC.

Arodiogbu also noted that former President Muhammadu Buhari remains supportive of Tinubu and had not been sidelined by the current administration.

“The President has never insulted or criticised Buhari, even when people like Babachir tried to make him do so during the campaign. His loyalty to Buhari has never been in doubt,” Arodiogbu said.

Reacting, Lawal dismissed claims that his political stance was driven by personal ambition. “Who said I ever wanted to be Vice President? That’s a lie. I never begged anyone. My position on Tinubu is based on principle, not personal ambition,” he said.

Lawal maintained that his opposition to the Tinubu administration stems from policies that he believes have caused hardship for ordinary Nigerians, especially in the North.