ABUJA — Babachir Lawal, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has sparked fresh political controversy by alleging that President Bola Tinubu will be virtually impossible to defeat in the 2027 general elections.
"He Will Out-Rig Everybody"
During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, June 1, 2026, Lawal asserted that if the primary factor for winning an election in Nigeria is the ability to manipulate results, President Tinubu holds a significant advantage.
Strategic Dominance: Lawal characterized the President as a "master rigger," suggesting that his political machinery is far more sophisticated than that of his opponents.
Dismissing Competitors: When asked about Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Lawal suggested that even if Atiku were to rely on similar tactics, he would be outmatched by the incumbent. "If Atiku’s strength is in manipulating results, I wish him luck. He will meet the master rigger in the front," Lawal stated.
Controversial Remarks on Atiku and Ethnicity
The former SGF also doubled down on his use of the term "Kachalla" to describe Atiku Abubakar.
The Terminology: Lawal clarified that while the term is used by bandit leaders like Turji Bello, he was linking the title to Atiku’s Fulani heritage.
Ethnic Allegations: Lawal questioned the reaction of various Fulani groups to Atiku’s emergence as the ADC candidate. He alleged that these groups are celebrating the possibility of "producing the president" but criticized Atiku for failing to take a firm public stance against the wave of kidnappings and mass killings currently plaguing parts of the country.
Lawal’s remarks have reignited debates regarding the tone of political discourse leading up to the 2027 cycle, highlighting deep-seated tensions over ethnicity, security, and electoral integrity in Nigeria.
