Babachir Lawal Speaks on 2027 Election: “Buhari’s Endorsement Not Needed to Defeat Tinubu

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has strongly rejected the notion that former President Muhammadu Buhari’s endorsement is essential to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. Lawal, in a candid interview, slammed Tinubu’s supporters and chieftains of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) for “chasing shadows” in their attempts to secure Buhari’s backing.

Lawal criticized the current Tinubu administration for being “anti-poor” and urged genuine CPC members to stand against a regime that he believes brings pain and suffering to the masses. According to him, those who genuinely care about the welfare of the underprivileged will naturally resist the government in the upcoming election, as he strongly believes in upholding Buhari’s legacy of defending the poor.

Addressing the recent speculation about Buhari endorsing a coalition involving Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai, Lawal unequivocally denied any such claims, stating that the ex-President’s involvement in the opposition coalition was unnecessary. He further emphasized that the effort to challenge Tinubu in 2027 could succeed without Buhari’s direct endorsement.

“Now, if you are a true CPC member, it will hurt you, and it will drive you to act involuntarily to change a system that marginalizes the underprivileged. That is the foundation of what Buhari stood for, and it is what we learned from him,” Lawal said.

Lawal’s comments came in response to recent moves by opposition figures like Atiku Abubakar and El-Rufai to form a united front for the 2027 election. However, political analysts are divided on the viability of this coalition, given the fragmented nature of Nigeria’s opposition parties, including the PDP, NNPP, and SDP.

The former SGF further elaborated on why Buhari’s blessing was not crucial for the opposition to succeed, emphasizing the independence and maturity of political actors within the anti-Tinubu camp. Lawal stressed that it was the responsibility of the opposition to chart their course without seeking permission from the former president.

“We don’t need Buhari’s blessing. We only needed to inform him of what we intend to do because we are adults. We are mature and intelligent enough to make our own decisions. Even if Buhari offers to join us, it is our responsibility to say, ‘No, Oga, please stay away.’ You are too big for us, and we don’t need your involvement. Please remain with this government until you are tired,” Lawal added.

As the 2027 elections draw closer, the question of Buhari’s influence continues to stir debate. However, Lawal’s remarks suggest that the opposition is moving forward with plans to challenge Tinubu without relying on the former president’s direct support.

The unfolding political landscape in Nigeria remains highly dynamic, and Lawal’s statements indicate a growing resolve among anti-Tinubu forces to carve their own path, irrespective of Buhari’s involvement.