2027 Election: Babachir Lawal Tells ADC to Dump Atiku, Questions Ex-VP’s Silence on Insecurity

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal, has released an explosive new statement titled “Kachalla 2,” in which he defends his record over the controversial grass-cutting scandal, names those he claims orchestrated his removal from office, and renews his call for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to drop former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate. In the lengthy statement released on Saturday, June 6, 2026, Lawal said he has faced a barrage of insults and threats following an earlier post in which he criticised Atiku. According to him, many of his critics focused on what has popularly been referred to as the “grass-cutting scandal,” while ignoring what he described as the substantive issues he raised about the former vice president’s suitability for the presidency.

Lawal maintained that his removal from office as SGF was politically motivated and not based on any genuine wrongdoing. “I find this amusing because it was clearly a setup to get me out of office on account of my very close relationship with Gen Muhammadu Buhari,” he said. He claimed that his relationship with the former president, dating back to 1971 when Buhari became his mentor, made him a target of political opponents who were uncomfortable with his influence. According to Lawal, some political actors feared that Buhari was grooming him for a higher position, while others objected to his appointment as SGF simply because he is a Christian from the small Kilba tribe in Adamawa State.

In a dramatic revelation, the former SGF alleged that a high-powered delegation was sent to Buhari to complain about his appointment, but the former president refused to listen. Consequently, he said, “they had to get me out of the seat of the very powerful SGF at all costs.” Lawal claimed that the contract to remove him was awarded to some Northern Senators who subcontracted the assignment to legislative hatchet men, recruiting sympathizers and collaborators in the executive branch and the press. He notably stated that the main contractor later apologized to him in the presence of three mutual friends, and that as a Christian, he forgave him.

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Lawal further alleged that despite an initial Senate report recommending his dismissal, then-President Muhammadu Buhari rejected the recommendation on the advice of the Attorney General, who found the report lacking in substance and fair hearing. However, he claimed that the matter would not die because the then Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, for reasons best known to him, decided to pursue the matter with the president, incessantly pestering him until the president gave in and permitted Osinbajo and two others to investigate the matter. “It was this report that without a shred of evidence recommended my removal,” Lawal stated.

Lawal insisted that the matter was eventually investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and that he was later discharged and acquitted by the court. According to court documents, a Federal High Court in Abuja discharged and acquitted Lawal and five others from the N544 million contract fraud charges brought against them by the EFCC. “During the trial, EFCC called 14 witnesses. Interestingly all of them testified to my innocence as if they were my own witnesses. Not one of them implicated me either in the contract award process or its execution,” he said. The court held that the anti-graft agency failed to establish a prima facie case against the ex-SGF and the co-defendants, ruling that no ingredient of any offence was made out by the 11 witnesses who testified for the EFCC.

Providing his most detailed account yet of the controversial contract at the centre of the case, Lawal said the consultancy contract awarded to a company he once owned, Rholavision Engineering Limited, was worth N7.2 million and emerged through a competitive bidding process of which he was not even aware. He explained that the main contract, worth approximately N540 million, was won by Josmon Technologies Limited, a company whose owners he had never met until they met in court. He argued that both the main contract and the consultancy services were fully executed, and payments were effected only after the Auditor-General’s Office and the Internal Auditors certified that the contracts were fully executed according to specifications. “What the Kachalla Goebelian propagandists and liars are calling ‘grass cutting scandal’ was actually clearing of over 320 kilometres of Komadugu Yobe River,” Lawal stated. He detailed that the river, which sustains the livelihoods of millions through fishing, agriculture, and pastoralism, was facing significant environmental and water scarcity concerns through blockage by Typha grass. He said the contract involved the reconstruction of 500 hectares of irrigated farmlands along the river bank, each provided with irrigation canals, a wash borehole, and a petrol pump. The project also included the purchase and distribution of 25 dugout canoes, fishing nets, and 25 speed boats for transportation. Lawal noted that the project employed over 1,000 displaced villagers and refugees from the camps daily for the four-month duration of the programme.

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Turning to contemporary politics, Lawal accused supporters of Atiku of attacking him for expressing concerns about the former vice president’s presidential ambition. “No, it is my right to interrogate the character and competence of someone who seeks to be my President,” he said. The former SGF questioned Atiku’s response to insecurity and banditry across the country, asking why the former vice president had allegedly not spoken strongly enough against attacks carried out by armed groups in several communities. “Why has Atiku Abubakar never publicly sympathized or empathized with the victims of these mostly Fulani bandits? Why has he never lent a voice to those condemning Kachalla Bello Turji and his colleagues after burning, kidnapping and killing thousands of Hausa victims, sometimes happening in Mosques and markets?” he queried. Lawal also raised concerns about some businesses associated with Atiku, including Gotel Communications, Adama Beverages, Rico Gado Nutrition Company, and his university, arguing that Nigerians should scrutinise the competence and character of anyone seeking the nation’s highest office. “Should we feign nonchalance to someone who once said he will ‘enrich his friends’?” he asked.

The former SGF urged opposition politicians to consider presenting an alternative candidate ahead of the next presidential election, arguing that doing so would improve their chances at the polls. “Indeed I would urge ADC to replace this man with a more qualified candidate if they want to have any hope of winning the presidential election before INEC time table runs out on them,” he said. Lawal also disclosed that he has effectively withdrawn from active partisan politics and is undecided on whom to support in the next presidential election. “I have now retired from politics. I’m not canvassing for votes for anybody. I have one vote to myself that I keep to myself. I might even vote for Omoyele Sowore,” he said. Lawal added that he had ruled out supporting both the APC and ADC and was waiting to see other candidates that may emerge ahead of the 2027 election. He also reiterated his support for Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, whom he described as the most qualified among the presidential aspirants.

The former SGF defended earlier comments that attracted criticism for their ethnic and religious undertones. “If pointing out the danger an Atiku presidency will pose to the country amounts to insulting the whole Fulani race, and if that is how the Fulani race chooses to see it, so be it,” he said. He linked his views to experiences of discrimination he claimed to have faced as a Christian from the Kilba ethnic group in Adamawa State. He concluded by insisting that his interventions were motivated by concern for Nigeria’s future and vowed not to be intimidated by critics. “I mean well for my country,” he said. “I will not lie low and allow his goons to lynch me be it physically or on the social media.”

Atiku Abubakar’s camp has strongly dismissed Lawal’s allegations. In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former Vice President’s camp described Lawal’s accusations as unsubstantiated and politically motivated. Shaibu said Lawal “maligned a democratic process” and failed to present any verifiable proof, including documents, witnesses, or facts, to back his claims of irregularities in the ADC primary. The statement questioned Lawal’s consistency, alleging that he accepted similar processes in other party contests but only raised objections in the presidential primary after the outcome did not favour his preferred candidate. “If the ADC primaries were truly the sham Mr. Lawal now portrays them to be, intellectual honesty would require him to reject every outcome arising from that exercise, including the emergence of his cousin,” the statement said, referring to Omar Suleiman, who emerged as the ADC governorship candidate in Adamawa State. The Atiku camp further accused Lawal of resorting to ethnic and religious prejudice after failing to persuade ADC members to embrace his preferred candidate. The statement described such rhetoric as divisive and warned against it, adding that Atiku remains focused on national issues ahead of the 2027 elections. The statement concluded that the 2027 election would not be decided by tantrums, ethnic dog whistles, recycled grievances, or revisionist history, but by the Nigerian people.

2027 Election: Babachir Lawal Tells ADC to Dump Atiku, Questions Ex-VP’s Silence on Insecurity

Nollywood Actress and Abia Gov Candidate Doris Ogala Collapses in Umuahia, Hospitalized at FMC

UMUAHIA, Abia State – Nollywood actress and African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate for Abia State ahead of the 2027 election, Doris Ogala, was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia, on Friday after she lost consciousness and collapsed during a consultation earlier in the day. The incident, which quickly spread across social media, has drawn a flood of reactions — from concern and prayers to skepticism and accusations of a publicity stunt. Within hours of her hospitalization, Ogala took to Instagram to confirm the episode, reassure her followers, and even share videos of herself praying with other patients at the facility. Reports also later emerged that she paid medical bills for several indigent patients while receiving treatment. This health scare comes at a pivotal moment in her life, just weeks after she secured the AAC governorship ticket, positioning herself to challenge incumbent Governor Alex Otti in the fiercely competitive Abia 2027 gubernatorial race.

According to reports accompanied by a video circulating online, Ogala lost consciousness while attending a consultation in Umuahia on Friday. She was immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, where medical personnel attended to her and successfully stabilised her condition. Details of the specific medical emergency have not been officially released, but unconfirmed online reports suggested the collapse may have been linked to a recent surgery relapse. Neither Ogala nor her campaign team has issued a formal medical statement addressing the cause.

Shortly after being stabilized, Ogala took to her Instagram page to update her followers. She posted a video showing her seated in a wheelchair at the hospital, interacting warmly with patients and healthcare workers. “I was rushed to FMC Umuahia. I lost consciousness. Glory to God I am stabilised now,” she wrote in the caption. In the footage, the actress was also seen praying alongside some patients at the facility, a gesture that drew praise from many of her supporters.

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Beyond her own recovery, reports emerged that the AAC governorship candidate extended financial support to other patients at the hospital. According to multiple social media posts and unconfirmed reports, Ogala paid medical bills for a number of indigent patients who were unable to settle their hospital expenses. Some posts claimed she acted after receiving “direct instructions from God” to assist them. While the reports have not been independently verified, the gesture generated significant positive commentary, with supporters describing it as compassionate, thoughtful, and encouraging.

Ogala’s hospitalization comes just weeks after she emerged as the African Action Congress (AAC) flagbearer for the 2027 Abia State governorship election. She secured the party’s ticket following a primary election and has since positioned herself as a challenger to Governor Alex Otti, who is widely expected to seek another term under the Labour Party. Her political message has centered on people-focused governance, economic development, and employment opportunities. She has also been vocal in criticizing the current administration, promising a fresh direction for the state. Political observers note that her sudden health scare could affect campaign momentum if not properly addressed, though her rapid return to social media and hospital interactions suggest an effort to remain visible.

The incident generated widespread reactions across social media platforms, with opinions sharply divided. Many fans and political supporters expressed genuine concern for her health, urging her to prioritize recovery over political activities. Those who praised her for praying with patients and paying medical bills described the gestures as thoughtful and encouraging. “Despite her own condition, she still thought of others. That is leadership,” one commenter wrote. However, a significant number of social media users questioned the circumstances surrounding the incident. Some described the episode as a possible publicity move linked to her political aspirations, citing her background in the Nollywood movie industry. Several commentators labeled the situation as “acting” or “drama,” suggesting the collapse was staged to generate sympathy and media attention ahead of the 2027 election cycle. “She is an actress. This is just a script,” another user posted. Others simply expressed worry about her physical fitness for the rigors of political office, arguing that she should focus on her health before proceeding with her governorship ambition.

As of the time of this report, no official medical statement has been released by Doris Ogala, her campaign team, or the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, regarding the exact cause of her collapse. Indications suggest she remains under observation while continuing her recovery.

For readers seeking a quick summary of the key details, the following information has been confirmed. Doris Ogala is a Nollywood actress and the African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate for Abia State in the 2027 election. She collapsed and lost consciousness during a consultation in Umuahia on Friday and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, where she was stabilized. She confirmed the incident on Instagram, writing, “I was rushed to FMC Umuahia. I lost consciousness. Glory to God I am stabilised now.” Unconfirmed reports suggested the collapse may be linked to a recent surgery relapse. She was also seen praying with patients and reportedly paid medical bills for several indigent patients at the hospital. Social media reactions have been mixed, ranging from genuine concern and praise to accusations of a publicity stunt, with some commentators citing her Nollywood background. No official medical statement has been released as of this report.

Nollywood Actress and Abia Gov Candidate Doris Ogala Collapses in Umuahia, Hospitalized at FMC

Osun 2026: Accord Party Chairman Shot in Osogbo as Police Begin Investigation

Accord has strongly condemned the attempted assassination of its Osogbo Local Government Area Chairman, Asimiyu Ajibola, describing the incident as a politically motivated attack and calling on the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services to launch a thorough investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible. In a statement, the Osun State ruling party expressed gratitude that Ajibola survived the attack and prayed for his speedy recovery. The party condemned what it described as a growing pattern of attacks on its members ahead of the August 12, 2026 governorship election in the state, calling the incident “outrageous, barbaric, despicable and wicked.”

Ajibola reportedly sustained gunshot wounds after two armed men on a motorcycle opened fire on a blue Toyota Corolla conveying him and his associates in the MDS area of Osogbo on the night of June 3, 2026. The incident occurred at approximately 9:50 p.m. near the Osogbo Community Bank axis, causing panic among residents as gunshots rang out in the neighbourhood. According to an eyewitness account from one of the occupants of the vehicle, the gunmen chased the vehicle and unleashed a barrage of gunfire in what appeared to be a coordinated attack. “We were coming from the MDS area of Osogbo at about 9:50 p.m. and all of a sudden, the gun-wielding men chased and released a volley of bullets on all of us in the car,” the survivor said. The occupants managed to escape and sought refuge at the Dugbe Divisional Police Headquarters located a few metres away before the assailants retreated and fled the scene. Ajibola was immediately rushed to the Osun State University Teaching Hospital (UNIOSUNTH) , where medical personnel are working to stabilise his condition.

The Osun State Police Command has confirmed that an intensive manhunt is underway to track down the assailants. The command’s spokesperson, SP Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed in a statement on Thursday that police operatives responded swiftly to a distress call, evacuated the victim to a medical facility, and immediately launched a pursuit of the fleeing suspects. Ojelabi confirmed that medical personnel have reported that Ajibola is in a stable condition and responding positively to treatment. “Simultaneously, other operational teams launched an aggressive pursuit of the fleeing suspects in an effort to apprehend them and bring them to justice. Preliminary investigation at the scene led to the recovery of exhibits which are currently being subjected to forensic analysis,” the police spokesperson stated. The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, has ordered a high-level investigation into the incident and directed all relevant investigative units to deploy every available resource to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack, identify those responsible, and ensure prompt arrest and prosecution. “The command wishes to assure members of the public that no stone will be left unturned in the ongoing investigation. Citizens are urged to remain calm, law-abiding, and provide credible information that may assist the police in tracking down the perpetrators,” Ojelabi added.

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In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Barrister Maxwell Mgbudem, Accord alleged that its members had repeatedly been targeted in politically motivated attacks in Osun State. The party claimed that thugs associated with the opposition All Progressives Congress had repeatedly attacked Accord members, campaign structures, billboards, and party secretariats in attempts to “harass, intimidate and subdue our members aware that the people have rejected their party.” The party lamented that security agencies had been notified of alleged threats in the past but that no prosecutions had followed previous incidents. “Sadly, security agencies were notified of the plots with a view to averting them, yet they were executed under their watch, and nobody has been prosecuted for these heinous crimes,” the statement read. “Enough is enough of this political violence. It is obvious that the ballot is stronger than the gun,” Accord declared, reaffirming its commitment to peaceful and issue-based politics despite the attack. The party maintained that it remains committed to issue-based politics and peaceful campaigns ahead of the governorship election, stressing that it rejects political bitterness and violence in all forms.

The Osun State Government has also condemned the attack and called for a thorough and professional investigation. In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the government confirmed that Ajibola was receiving treatment at the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital. Alimi disclosed that preliminary accounts from one of the occupants of the vehicle indicated that the gunmen opened fire on the vehicle around 9:50 p.m. while they were returning from the MDS area. “It is an unfortunate incident which should not be allowed to go uninvestigated. The culprits must be brought to book,” Alimi said. He further urged the police to conduct their investigation professionally, without fear or favour, noting that from all available indices, the attack has elements of political colourations.

Despite the attack, Accord Party reiterated its support for Governor Ademola Adeleke, describing him as a “pro-people Governor who has transformed the state and delivered dividends of democracy to citizens.” The party maintained that it would not be intimidated by what it described as “anti-democratic and reactionary forces” seeking to undermine its activities in the state. “Let it be clear that our great party will not be cowed, intimidated and suppressed by anti-democratic and reactionary forces in Osun State,” Mgbudem stated. “Osun State is an Accord stronghold with a pro-people Governor who has transformed the state and delivered dividends of democracy to citizens. He deserves a second term in office. The good people of Osun State are in one accord with Governor Ademola Adeleke. Together, Osun State will be taken to a new level of development and prosperity.” The party reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing its political objectives peacefully and expressed confidence that the people of Osun State would continue to support its vision for the state’s development and prosperity.

Osun 2026: Accord Party Chairman Shot in Osogbo as Police Begin Investigation