Former SGF Exposes Crack in APC as Key Governors Allegedly Back Opposition Coalition ADC for 2027

 

Babachir Lawal, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has stirred Nigeria’s political waters with a stunning revelation about growing unrest within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). During an appearance on Beyond the Headlines, a political affairs programme aired on TVC News Tuesday night, Lawal claimed that a number of top APC figures, including sitting governors, are covertly aligning with the recently formed opposition coalition set to challenge the status quo in the 2027 general elections.

This revelation follows the formal adoption of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the political platform for the new coalition. Just a week after this development, Lawal’s statements have ignited fresh speculation over the internal state of the APC and the realignment of political forces behind the scenes.

Rather than a targeted campaign against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lawal described the movement as a nationwide response to what he termed "non-performing leadership." He stressed that the coalition's objective is not driven by personal vendettas but by a shared urgency to redirect the country from a trajectory of poor governance and policy failure.

“There is a need for a functional government that truly serves Nigerians. What we have now isn’t delivering. This coalition isn’t about Tinubu, it is about rescuing the country,” Lawal said emphatically.

He went further, asserting that the alliance is broader than many believe. According to him, several powerbrokers who are still publicly aligned with the APC are already working discreetly with the opposition movement. He emphasized that the coalition includes individuals who are not yet public defectors but are already contributing to the groundwork for a major political shift.

“Many are with us. Very, very many,” he repeated during the interview, hinting at a widespread internal disillusionment across party lines. Lawal noted that the support cuts across all regions and includes individuals who once shaped or currently influence national policy.

Criticizing the leadership of the APC, the former SGF accused the ruling party of becoming hostile to internal critique and lacking the unity it once projected. According to him, any attempt to offer constructive criticism is met with suppression and alienation.

“APC has never really been united. It’s a party held together by fear and intimidation. There’s no room for advice or correction. Once you raise a contrary opinion, you are branded an enemy,” he said.

Such a claim is bound to spark debate, especially given the sensitive timing. Nigeria’s political landscape is already simmering with tension as the country approaches the midpoint of President Tinubu’s tenure. Governance challenges, economic instability, and security concerns have made the political atmosphere more volatile, providing fertile ground for alternative movements to gain momentum.

The opposition coalition, according to Lawal, is not an amorphous group of disgruntled politicians. It boasts a lineup of high-profile national figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Senate President David Mark, as well as two former federal ministers, Rauf Aregbesola and Rotimi Amaechi.

This gathering of political heavyweights, each with established political bases and national recognition, signals that the 2027 elections may usher in an intense, possibly unprecedented, contest for control of the federal government.

The involvement of Peter Obi, who garnered significant support among Nigerian youths and urban middle-class voters during the last general election, adds a layer of grassroots credibility to the coalition. Atiku Abubakar, with his decades-long presence in Nigeria’s political arena, brings experience and reach, while Aregbesola and Amaechi represent strong regional influences, particularly in the South West and South South.

David Mark, known for his legislative leadership and influence in the North Central region, adds another pillar of national appeal to the coalition’s structure.

Observers suggest that if the claims by Lawal are accurate, the APC may be facing more than just external opposition. The real challenge could be internal fragmentation. A silent rebellion from within, fueled by dissatisfaction and muffled dissent, might end up shaking the party’s foundations far more than open defection would.

Whether this new coalition can translate its influence into electoral victory remains to be seen. Yet one thing is clear: Nigeria’s political landscape is evolving rapidly, and the road to 2027 is shaping up to be anything but predictable.