Lawal reveals how he convinced Obi, Kwankwaso to enter ADC

Former SGF Babachir Lawal has disclosed details of the discussions that led Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Monday, Lawal said both politicians initially had reservations about the ADC, particularly because of Atiku Abubakar’s involvement.

Lawal said he personally persuaded Obi to commit to the party after the former Anambra State governor remained hesitant about joining.

“I attended every meeting of the ADC, and at one time, Peter Obi was playing in and out. I was the one who finally dragged Peter into the ADC and committed him to joining the ADC,” he said.

He said similar concerns were raised by Kwankwaso, who, according to Lawal, was worried that Atiku’s presence could prevent the coalition from achieving its objectives.

“We also convinced Kwankwaso to join the ADC, but he was always afraid that with Atiku Abubakar there, nothing good would ever come out of the ADC,” Lawal said.

Consensus disagreement

Lawal further disclosed that Obi had concerns about the proposed presidential primary and favoured the emergence of a consensus candidate.

He said Obi believed a competitive primary could give an advantage to candidates with greater financial resources and political influence.

According to Lawal, the inability of the politicians and their allies to reach agreement on a consensus candidate eventually became one of the factors that led to Obi and Kwankwaso leaving the ADC.

He said both men subsequently believed the primary process was being manipulated in favour of Atiku.

Lawal himself later resigned from the ADC following Atiku’s emergence as the party’s presidential candidate. He alleged at the time that the primary had been massively rigged in favour of the former vice president. The allegation was disputed by Atiku’s camp.

From ADC to NDC

The political realignment has since seen Lawal move from the ADC to the NDC.

In September, the former SGF joined the NDC and declared his support for the Obi-Kwankwaso presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Lawal’s account comes as opposition politicians continue to reposition themselves ahead of the 2027 election, following the earlier coalition discussions around the ADC and the subsequent emergence of separate political platforms.

The NDC currently presents Obi as its presidential candidate and Kwankwaso as his running mate, while Atiku remains associated with the ADC presidential ticket.

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