By Adesakin Adefemi
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, says he has no plans to return to the All Progressives Congress despite calls from at least five serving governors after his resignation from the African Democratic Congress. Lawal said the issues that drove him out of the APC remain unresolved.
Lawal quit the ADC days after alleging that the party’s recent presidential primary was manipulated in favour of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. His exit has sparked a flurry of political calls across party lines.
“There are about five political parties that called me on Wednesday, saying they would hand over their platforms to me if I wanted,” Lawal disclosed. He added that several APC governors he considers friends reached out directly.
“As we speak, about five or six APC governors, who are my friends, have reached out and asked, ‘Oga, are you coming back home now?’ Even some ministers wanted to know if I would consider returning,” he said.
Despite the overtures, Lawal said he is not considering a return to the APC at the moment. He argued that rejoining without change would achieve nothing.
“I told them no because the problem that made me leave the APC is still there. There is no point returning if nothing has changed. What progress have I made if I go back to meet the same issues,” he stated.
For now, Lawal said he has withdrawn from active politics and returned to his village farm. “I don’t understand what you mean by asking about my next political destination. Was I born a politician? Must I remain in politics forever?” he asked.
The former SGF also dismissed criticisms from ADC members and Atiku’s supporters who accused him of betrayal. “I don’t have time to read or listen to any of that rubbish. It doesn’t concern me,” he said.
Lawal rejected claims that he betrayed Atiku, insisting they were never in the same political camp. “Once I return to Abuja and start speaking again, they will panic and begin defending themselves as usual,” he warned, adding that he would re-engage if provoked.
