2 weeks Ago By Ado Oyeyemi
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has dismissed attempts by political actors to gain the support of former President Muhammadu Buhari, labeling such efforts as misguided and irrelevant to the goal of unseating President Bola Tinubu in 2027. In an interview with The PUNCH, Lawal criticized loyalists of President Tinubu and former members of the now-defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), accusing them of “chasing shadows” by seeking Buhari’s approval. He argued that true CPC members are driven by a commitment to uplift the poor and will oppose any administration that worsens their plight.
“These people have given us enough reason to rise against them,” Lawal said. “The CPC was built on the foundation of serving the underprivileged—the Talakawa. But this administration seems determined to make life harder for the poor, as though their suffering is intentional.
” Lawal, a founding member of the CPC and once an ally of Tinubu, insisted that Buhari’s endorsement is unnecessary. He dismissed claims made by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai that Buhari had endorsed the emerging opposition coalition. “We didn’t seek his blessing.
We only informed him of our intentions out of respect. We’re mature, capable people. If Buhari even offered to join us, we would respectfully decline.
He’s still part of the current establishment,” Lawal stated. The former SGF is currently involved in a political coalition that includes opposition figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai. He confirmed that plans for a merger are well underway.
Lawal also responded to remarks made by former Minister of Communications Adebayo Shittu, who on Channels Television dismissed the CPC as a “dead horse” and branded Lawal and others as “mischief makers.” Shittu claimed the CPC ceased to exist when it merged into the APC, and argued there was no valid reason for leaving the ruling party. In a sharp rebuttal, Lawal labeled Shittu and others as “black sheep” of the legacy CPC, accusing them of lacking ideological commitment and being motivated by personal gain.
“Not everyone can endure hardship. Some joined CPC for opportunistic reasons, not because they shared our values. They’re now scrambling for appointments—be it ambassadorships or board positions—under this government,” he said.
Efforts to get reactions from former Attorney General Abubakar Malami and ex-Nasarawa Governor Tanko Al-Makura were unsuccessful, as both declined to respond to calls and messages at the time of filing this report..
