By Muhammad Mamman
Babachir Lawal, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has cast doubt on whether he will back Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, in the 2027 general election. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Lawal hinted at evolving political dynamics, suggesting a rethink of his previous endorsement.
“Politics can change in a heartbeat,” Lawal remarked. “The factors we considered in 2023 will differ this time around. We’ll assess the landscape when the time comes.” Despite his uncertainty, he staunchly maintained that Obi was the “true victor” of the 2023 presidential race.
Turning to the political climate in northern Nigeria ahead of 2027, Lawal stressed the region’s need for a leader who grasps its challenges and is committed to tackling them head-on. He revealed that northern politicians outside government have formed the Nigerian People’s Consultative Political Forum (North) to foster unity and address regional divisions.
“We’ve brought together prominent northern figures not in office to strategise,” Lawal explained. “Our forum seeks to unify the north, analyse the roots of our disunity, and chart a path forward. We’ve agreed to vote as a bloc to achieve our goals.”
Lawal emphasised that the forum would back a candidate—whether from the north, south, or “even the heavens”—who understands and prioritises the region’s issues. He added that the group has rallied behind the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the unified political platform to pursue their ambitions.
