Babachir Lawal Blasts APC Governors' Endorsement of Tinubu for 2027: "It Is Immaterial, We’re Focused on the People"

 

In a bold and unwavering stance, Babachir Lawal, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has rubbished the recent endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term by All Progressives Congress (APC) governors, calling it “immaterial” and insignificant to the larger picture of 2027 politics. In an exclusive interview with Nigerian Tribune on Sunday, May 25, Lawal made it clear that the coalition he is part of is not intimidated by political endorsements but is focused on the most powerful constituency in any democracy — the Nigerian electorate.

This development marks a critical moment in Nigeria’s political landscape, as opposition forces begin to mobilize for the 2027 presidential election. Lawal’s strong remarks provide insight into the strategy and confidence of a growing coalition that aims to challenge the ruling APC.

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APC Governors Endorse Tinubu for Second Term

On May 22, 2025, the 22 governors under the All Progressives Congress (APC) banner publicly declared their support for President Bola Tinubu to be the party’s sole presidential candidate in the upcoming 2027 general elections. The endorsement came during a high-level party gathering and was widely publicized as a show of unity and confidence in Tinubu’s leadership.

However, this unanimous endorsement has not gone unchallenged.

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"We Don’t Care": Babachir Lawal Shrugs Off Endorsement

Reacting to the development, Babachir Lawal, who has emerged as a key figure in a multi-party opposition alliance, expressed utter disregard for the APC governors’ endorsement of Tinubu. His response was as direct as it was defiant.

“Let the governors continue to defect, we don’t care,” Lawal said during the interview. “If we wake up one morning and heard that all the 36 states governors and the FCT are in APC, we don’t care. It is immaterial. They have only 37 votes; maybe we can add their families. Maybe you get 1,000 votes. The voter is what we are targeting, and the voter is the victim of the system we are against.”

This powerful quote captures the essence of the coalition’s strategy — a grassroots movement focused on reaching everyday Nigerians who are feeling the harsh brunt of failed economic policies, insecurity, and governance lapses. For Lawal and his coalition, political endorsements from elites mean little if they do not reflect the will of the people.

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A Coalition Built on Secrecy, Strategy, and Service

Lawal further explained that the coalition’s operations are deliberately discreet. Unlike traditional political parties that publicize every move, this coalition has chosen a path of strategic silence, avoiding unnecessary exposure.

“We don’t take photographs. We don’t take minutes of meetings. We take time to make sure that information on strategies doesn’t leak,” he revealed.

This approach, according to Lawal, is necessary to avoid sabotage and to maintain the integrity of their long-term political plans. It also highlights the seriousness of their commitment to presenting a credible and organized alternative to APC's dominance.

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Committed to the Cause: "I Must Be an Idiot..."

To further illustrate his personal sacrifice and commitment, Babachir Lawal pointed out that he remains in Abuja despite it being planting season, a period during which he would typically be on his farm.

“I must be an idiot if I leave my most important vocation to take coffee and snacks,” he said sarcastically. “Whoever says we aren’t serious doesn’t know who the people are, because they don’t know who they are.”

This quote speaks volumes about his dedication to political change and his belief that this coalition is made up of individuals willing to set aside personal interests for national interest.

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Will the Coalition Use ADC as a Platform?

There have been growing speculations that this coalition might adopt the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its political vehicle to challenge APC in 2027. ADC has long been regarded as a relatively neutral party with a national spread, making it a potentially viable platform for a coalition of opposition forces.

However, the dynamics shifted slightly following the announcement by Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, that he would contest the 2027 election again under the Labour Party (LP).

This move by Obi, a major player in Nigeria’s recent political evolution, may complicate potential coalition plans, especially if multiple opposition leaders insist on separate party platforms. Despite this, Lawal did not appear worried.

“At the appropriate time, we will go public with what we are doing,” he said, showing calmness and confidence in the coalition's internal processes.

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Why Babachir Lawal’s Statement Matters

Babachir Lawal’s public statement is not just a political soundbite — it’s a declaration of intent and a reflection of growing dissatisfaction among Nigerians who feel let down by the current administration. The ruling APC has come under fire for Nigeria’s worsening economic situation, rising inflation, insecurity, and poor governance.

In such a political climate, Lawal’s coalition appears to be tapping into a real and growing anger among the populace. By openly stating that governors and elite endorsements are “immaterial,” Lawal is re-centering the conversation around the Nigerian voter — the person at the heart of democracy.

This sentiment is likely to resonate with millions of Nigerians who feel disconnected from the elite political class and are looking for leaders who understand their daily struggles.

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What Lies Ahead for Nigeria in 2027?

With Lawal and his allies refusing to be distracted by high-level endorsements and instead focusing on the grassroots, the 2027 general elections may shape up to be one of the most fiercely contested in Nigeria’s recent history. The fact that opposition voices are organizing quietly but strategically suggests that the ruling APC will not have a smooth ride.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu continues to face public pressure over economic hardship, rising cost of living, and unresolved security issues. As 2027 approaches, the battle for the soul of Nigeria is gradually shifting from boardrooms to the streets, from political endorsements to public opinion.

If Lawal and his coalition can indeed rally the “victims of the system,” as he puts it, then Nigeria may be heading towards a truly competitive election — one driven not by elites, but by the voice of the people.