Babachir Lawal stands by Obi’s presidential victory claim, criticises APC’s religious shift

Babachir David Lawal, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said that key allies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration have contacted him following his recent assertion that Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, won the last presidential election.

Lawal’s comments came in response to a statement by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in which its spokesman, Felix Morka, criticized Lawal’s ability to think rationally.

Although Lawal once served as the National Vice Chairman, North East, of the APC, he offered his sympathies to Morka, stating that he appeared to be performing the role of a subordinate.

Describing the APC as an Islamic party that makes decisions through prayer sessions in the absence of Morka, Lawal maintained that Peter Obi won the last election, asserting, “The thief knows who stole the item.”

According to Lawal, the only thing left for the party is a name change, given its current leadership. He pointed out that the party’s National Chairman is “Kadmul Islam,” Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, and the National Secretary is a Muslim. Additionally, several other key positions within the party are held by Muslims.

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Lawal emphasised that the APC had originally aimed to be a national party that would be inclusive of all religious and tribal backgrounds. He expressed concern that it has now transitioned into an Islamic party, emphasizing that all critical decisions would likely be made during afternoon prayers, excluding Morka.

He underscored the importance of a Nigeria that works for all, free speech, and the need to address pressing issues facing the country, including insecurity and food security. Lawal stood by his assertion that Peter Obi had the majority votes in the May 23 presidential election and criticized the conduct of INEC and the APC during the election.

In conclusion, Lawal quoted Wole Soyinka, saying, “The man dies in all who keep silent in the face of tyranny.”