Nigeria political tensions rise as former SGF Babachir Lawal targets Atiku and Tinubu ahead of 2027 election

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal has claimed Northern politicians plotted his removal and has repeatedly warned that a presidency for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar would amount to a “Fulani presidency.” In a series of Facebook posts and statements, Lawal defended his 2022 dismissal as politically motivated, denied wrongdoing in the controversial “grass‑cutting” contract, and criticized Atiku’s record on insecurity.

Atiku has responded by condemning the federal government’s handling of the Oyo State school kidnapping, accusing First Lady Oluremi Tinubu of celebrating political events while children and teachers remain captive. Former Ekiti Governor Ayodele Fayose suggested the abduction was staged to blackmail President Bola Tinubu.

Presidential spokesperson Daniel Bwala warned that opposition candidate Peter Obi could outpoll Atiku in the 2027 election, while security analysts note that more than 1,100 Nigerians have been kidnapped in the first four months of 2026, underscoring a broader crisis of insecurity that dominates the political debate.