Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and ADC Deputy National Chairman Babachir Lawal says President Bola Tinubu will lose the 2027 election, alleging he is in a “panic mode” and losing support within his political base.
Speaking on party affairs and national politics, Lawal claimed there is growing tension within the ruling circle, insisting that attempts to weaken the opposition will fail.
“He is in panic mode. Even the 31 governors you think are with him are not sincerely with him, and he knows it,” Lawal said.
He also accused unnamed government actors of frustrating opposition activities, including alleged efforts to block venues for party conventions.
According to him, an event centre owner was pressured overnight to withdraw a booked venue.
“They told me at midnight that the venue would no longer be available. We had a contract. People were already on their way. That is not how democracy works,” he said.
Lawal maintained that despite such challenges, his party proceeded with its convention and remains confident of its legal and political standing.
He further criticised comments attributed to the presidency about opposition activities, including remarks dismissing street-based political mobilisation, warning that such attitudes could deepen political tensions.
“If they think they can silence the opposition, they are mistaken. We will still organise and we will still compete,” he said.
On governance, Lawal questioned the administration’s record, accusing it of poor project delivery and financial mismanagement.
“Which major infrastructure has this government completed? Where are the results of all the trillions being spent?” he asked.
He cited ongoing disputes over road projects and budget implementation, alleging that multiple budgets are running simultaneously without clear outcomes.
Lawal also weighed in on President Tinubu’s leadership style, saying his earlier perception of him as a “decent man” changed after he assumed office.
“Before he became president, I thought he was a good man. After he became president, something changed,” he said.
Despite the criticism, Lawal said the African Democratic Congress (ADC) remains focused on internal preparations for its presidential primaries, including options for consensus candidates or direct elections.
He said the party is confident ongoing court matters will not derail its plans and expressed optimism about participating fully in the 2027 elections.
