Politics
Former SGF Babachir Lawal Returns to Politics, Backs NDC Ticket
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has returned to active politics, joining the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, and taking up a key role in the party’s mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Lawal was received in Abuja by the NDC National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, alongside other party leaders, who presented him with his membership card.
Dickson described Lawal as an experienced political organiser and mobiliser whose knowledge and extensive network would strengthen the party’s activities in the northern part of the country.
He said Lawal would coordinate and provide leadership for NDC activities and campaigns in the North-East, while also overseeing the party’s operations in the North-Central zone.
Dickson urged the former SGF to deploy his political experience and contacts to strengthen the party’s structures, address challenges, and guide its candidates and campaign teams.
He added that the party would also draw on Lawal’s experience beyond the two zones as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.
On the role of support groups, Dickson said the NDC recognised their importance in grassroots mobilisation but expected them to work alongside the political party rather than take over its functions.
He said support groups would be expected to mobilise voters, promote the party and its candidates, and connect grassroots supporters with the party’s campaign structures.
Dickson’s comments came amid recent controversy over a presidential campaign council announced by the Obi-Kwankwaso support movement, which the NDC leadership said was not constituted by the party.
The NDC leader said the party would continue to engage with support groups as it prepares its official campaign structure for the 2027 elections.
Responding, Lawal said his decision to return to politics was influenced by concerns over insecurity, economic hardship, poverty, hunger and other challenges confronting Nigerians.
He said he had remained active in the All Progressives Congress, APC, including during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, but later left the party over differences concerning its political direction.
Lawal said he had initially considered retiring from politics but reconsidered the decision after reflecting on the future of Nigerians, particularly younger generations.
He said his return was aimed at contributing to efforts to establish a government that would, in his view, improve security, economic prosperity and national unity.
The former SGF expressed support for the NDC presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, saying he believed their previous records in Anambra and Kano states could inform their approach to national governance.
The development comes as the NDC intensifies consultations over the constitution and inauguration of its Presidential Campaign Council.