Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has declared that individuals hoping to secure the endorsement of former President Muhammadu Buhari are pursuing an illusion.
Lawal, a founding figure in the now-defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and once a close associate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is now playing a pivotal role in the emerging coalition led by Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai.
In an interview with Punch, Lawal emphasized that the alliance of opposition forces is not just a proposal but a done deal. He stated that discussions around a political merger have advanced significantly, and efforts are well underway to form a united front against the current administration.
When asked whether former President Buhari had sanctioned or blessed the coalition—as El-Rufai reportedly suggested—Lawal dismissed the notion.
“To be honest, we do not require Buhari’s endorsement,” Lawal said. “We informed him out of respect, not obligation. We are grown men with the capacity to make strategic political decisions independently. It’s not as though we are rallying him to lead us.”
He added pointedly:
“Even if Buhari were to say, ‘I want to join you,’ it would be up to us to respectfully decline. We’d tell him, ‘Sir, thank you, but please stay out of it. You’re part of the current establishment. Remain there until you’re ready to walk away completely.’”
Lawal also offered a deeper insight into the ideological roots of the CPC and his frustration with the current administration.
“The CPC was built on the values of the Talakawa—the downtrodden and working class. It was a movement anchored in addressing the struggles of Nigeria’s marginalized majority. That is what Buhari taught us. Sadly, this administration has betrayed that legacy.”
He accused the current leadership of promoting policies that worsen poverty and deepen inequality:
“It’s almost as if they’re offended by the sight of poor people. Their actions feel intentional—as though starving the masses is part of their agenda. What we’re witnessing is systemic exclusion and suffering, and it’s unacceptable.”
Lawal’s remarks underline a growing rift within the Nigerian political elite, particularly among former allies who now find themselves on opposite sides of an intensifying power struggle.
