ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has claimed that Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, was never fully committed to the African Democratic Congress, (ADC).
Lawal made the remark on Tuesday during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme, where he reviewed recent political realignments within the party.
His comments come shortly after Obi and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, reportedly exited the ADC following internal disagreements and concerns over the party’s direction.
According to Lawal, Obi’s involvement in the coalition was not deeply rooted, suggesting that he joined after the structure had already been established.
“We never felt his heart was in it,” he said, insisting that Obi did not fully integrate into the party’s internal framework.
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He explained that the party leadership had attempted to accommodate Obi by allowing him to nominate the organising secretary, a key position in the electoral structure, in an effort to demonstrate inclusiveness and transparency.
Despite those efforts, Lawal said questions remained within the party about Obi’s level of commitment and long-term participation.
He further suggested that Obi’s exit may be connected to a reluctance to go through a competitive internal primary process.
Lawal maintained that the ADC remains open to all aspirants and is committed to providing a level playing field for political contestants within its ranks.
He also dismissed claims that his support for Obi during the 2023 presidential election represented an ongoing political alliance, stressing that such support was based on circumstances at the time rather than enduring loyalty.
According to him, his political choices are guided strictly by personal conviction and not by attachment to any individual politician.
The remarks add another layer to the ongoing political realignments among opposition figures as parties position themselves ahead of future elections.