Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has publicly advised Nigerians against supporting former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the upcoming 2027 presidential race. Speaking in a telephone interview on Wednesday evening regarding internal disputes within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Adamawa State, Lawal claimed that Atiku's political actions are heavily influenced by ethnic considerations.

Specifically, Lawal alleged that Atiku has been attempting to orchestrate the removal of Suleiman Omar, the democratically elected ADC governorship candidate in Adamawa State, in order to substitute him with Alhaji Tukur Modibbo.

Atiku Abubakar Denies Allegations

In response to the accusations, Atiku Abubakar firmly refuted the claims, labeling them completely untrue and unfounded.

A formal statement released on Thursday by his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, clarified that the former Vice President has neither participated in discussions nor given directives aimed at altering the ADC’s governorship candidate in Adamawa State.

The statement suggested that the allegations are an attempt to create artificial conflict within the party. It further emphasized that individuals promoting these claims are likely intimidated by the party's rising momentum and internal solidarity, urging the public and party members to dismiss the reports as baseless propaganda.