The camp of African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has dismissed allegations of manipulation in the party’s presidential primary made by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, insisting that no credible evidence was provided to support the claims.
In a statement issued by Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former Vice President’s camp described Lawal’s accusations as unsubstantiated and politically motivated.
Shaibu said Lawal “maligned a democratic process” and failed to present any verifiable proof, including documents, witnesses, or facts, to back his claims of irregularities in the primary.
He maintained that the ADC presidential primaries were conducted across thousands of wards nationwide and produced a clear and transparent outcome reflecting the will of party members.
The statement also questioned Lawal’s consistency, alleging that he accepted similar processes in other party contests but only raised objections in the presidential primary after the outcome did not favour his preferred candidate.
Shaibu further referenced Lawal’s past controversies, including his removal as Secretary to the Government of the Federation in 2017 over allegations linked to the Presidential Initiative on the North-East, popularly known as the “grass-cutting scandal,” noting that Lawal has denied wrongdoing.
The Atiku camp said attempts to introduce ethnic or religious sentiments into internal party disputes were divisive and warned against such rhetoric.
It added that Atiku remains focused on national issues ahead of the 2027 elections, saying the ADC presidential contest will ultimately be decided by Nigerians based on governance, economic recovery and security concerns.
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