Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has alleged that several governors and influential members within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are secretly supporting the opposition’s coalition platform — the African Democratic Congress (ADC) — as part of efforts to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
Speaking during an interview on Beyond the Headlines, a political affairs programme on TVC News aired on Tuesday, Lawal claimed that discontent is brewing within the APC, even at the top, with many of the party’s leading figures quietly lending support to the growing opposition alliance.
“Yes, there are APC members working with the coalition,” Lawal stated. “Some may not be as vocal as I am, but they’re involved — including governors.”
“The APC Has Become Intolerant, Unaccountable”
Lawal, who officially announced his departure from the APC on June 29, did not hold back in his criticism of the party. He said the APC no longer resembles the progressive movement it once claimed to be and now suppresses internal dissent while rewarding blind loyalty.
“I’ve opposed the party from the inside for a long time. The APC does not tolerate criticism. It’s become a party of sycophants,” he said.
“Wike Is the Poster Boy for Cross-Carpeting Politics”
Lawal also referenced Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, describing him as a “model” for the brand of politics where individuals remain in one party while actively supporting another.
“This is the strategy the APC created, and Wike has perfected it. He remains in PDP but works for APC. That’s the game now,” he said, suggesting that what many APC leaders are doing behind closed doors is not new.
“Tinubu Has Disappointed Even His Closest Supporters”
According to the former SGF, the dissatisfaction within the APC is driven largely by what he described as the underwhelming performance of the Tinubu administration. He noted that many of the president’s former allies feel let down and believe the country deserves better.
“Those of us who fought hard to bring this administration into power are deeply disappointed. Tinubu has let down the people and those who believed in his vision. Nigeria deserves a better government,” he said.
“Defections to APC Are Just for Survival, Not Popularity”
Reacting to the recent wave of defections by governors and politicians into the APC, Lawal dismissed them as acts of desperation, not public support. He claimed these moves were simply attempts to remain politically relevant due to Tinubu’s tight grip on party structures — particularly ahead of 2027.
“These governors are not joining APC because of ideology or performance. They’re doing it to survive politically. Tinubu has already gifted himself the 2027 ticket. There will be no primaries, no competition. But these defectors are alone — the people are not following them,” he argued.
“This Coalition Is Bigger Than Atiku”
Addressing criticisms that the new coalition is simply a backdoor plan for Atiku Abubakar’s return to the presidential race, Lawal firmly rejected the notion. He maintained that the coalition is a broader political movement involving various stakeholders who are united by a desire to rescue the country from poor leadership.
“This is not about Atiku. It’s about building a credible alternative to the current government. Anyone trying to narrow it down to one man is missing the point,” he concluded.
Babachir Lawal’s explosive remarks come at a time of rising political realignments, as key opposition figures continue to mobilise around the ADC as a strategic platform to challenge the APC in 2027. His comments are likely to further fuel speculation about growing unrest within the ruling party, and the increasing viability of a coalition-led challenge to Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
