Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir Lawal formally resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) on July 7, 2025, hinting at a potential new political alliance that could reshape Nigeria’s opposition landscape.
In a five-page letter addressed to APC Acting National Chairman Ali Dalori, Lawal cited irreconcilable differences, including the party’s handling of 10,217 insecurity deaths since 2023, a 97% debt-service-to-revenue ratio, and perceived marginalization of northern interests. “I can no longer support this trajectory,” he wrote, suggesting alignment with Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi’s coalition.
Lawal, a pivotal figure in Muhammadu Buhari’s 2015 campaign, retains 45% support among northern APC members, with 2,500 supporters rallying in Yola on July 6. The APC, which controls 20 states, downplayed his exit, but political analysts estimate a 6% vote shift in the 2027 elections.
Lawal’s next move, possibly a new party by October, involves raising a N1.2 billion war chest, with 65% of opposition leaders welcoming his potential role. His 2017 N500 million grass-cutting scandal lingers, but he vows transparency, amid 33% inflation.