Babachir Lawal Vows to Work with El-Rufai to Stop Tinubu’s Re-election in 2027
Abuja, Nigeria – Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has declared his intention to collaborate with former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai to prevent President Bola Tinubu from winning the 2027 presidential election according to the information obtained by The Bureau Newspaper on Wednesday. Lawal, once an ally of Tinubu, has become a vocal critic of the president, blaming his economic reforms for exacerbating poverty and hardship in Northern Nigeria.
In an interview with Punch, Lawal described Tinubu’s policies as “nail-biting reforms” that have left the Northern region feeling betrayed and economically distressed. He emphasized the urgent need for political change, stating that the North is mobilizing to ensure Tinubu does not secure a second term.
Lawal’s stance aligns with El-Rufai’s recent warnings about a potential political upheaval in 2027, similar to the challenges faced by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015. El-Rufai had shared insights on his verified X account (formerly Twitter) from APC member Uche Diala, highlighting a significant decline in Tinubu’s relationship with the North over the past two years.
“The North is seriously mobilizing with a consensus that Bola Tinubu must step aside in the 2027 election,” Lawal stated. “This is not a matter of debate. I may have previously disagreed with El-Rufai on certain issues, but on this, I will join him in efforts to ensure Tinubu does not win again. If he does, Northern Nigeria could become one large refugee camp.”
Lawal stressed that the region’s future depends on finding a suitable alternative to Tinubu, regardless of the candidate’s geographical origin. “What matters is that the candidate understands the importance of a united Nigeria,” he said.
He acknowledged the divide among political elites over the candidate’s origin, with some advocating for a Southern candidate while others express concerns about the risks involved. “Ultimately, we all agree that we need a substitute for Bola Tinubu,” Lawal added. “Unfortunately, many Northern figures benefiting from this administration are merely justifying their positions, indifferent to the struggles faced by the broader Northern populace.”
Lawal concluded by highlighting the disconnect between elite opinions and the sentiments of the masses, asserting that even those who appear to support Tinubu will not vote for him due to the hardships they endure. He urged Northern political leaders to heed the call for change and ensure that Tinubu does not secure a second term.
This development signals growing discontent within the Northern political establishment and sets the stage for a contentious battle ahead of the 2027 elections.
