Babachir Lawal: Atiku Has No Chance in 2027, Tinubu Has ‘Lost His Soul’

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has predicted that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar would lose the 2027 presidential election, while also launching a scathing critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership.

Speaking during an interview, Lawal expressed confidence that Atiku’s chances of winning the next presidential election were non-existent.

“Atiku Abubakar will definitely lose the 2027 election. Peter Obi and Kwankwaso have a 70 per cent chance on my own scale, Tinubu has 50 per cent, while Atiku has 0 per cent,” he said.

Lawal also alleged that President Tinubu had undergone significant changes since assuming office, claiming that the President was no longer in control of his administration.

According to him, “Tinubu has lost his soul having come to this government. He was someone who always liked to be in charge, but it suddenly appears that he is no longer in charge. As long as he gets his own share of whatever he is looking for, the rest can loot and do whatever they want. Everybody will tell you the Bola Tinubu we knew is not the Bola Tinubu we see now.”

He added that he wished the President would return to the qualities he displayed before taking office, saying Nigeria would be better for it.

The former SGF also addressed claims surrounding former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s role in Tinubu’s emergence as president. While acknowledging that El-Rufai may have played a part in rallying support among northern governors, Lawal argued that the former governor had exaggerated his influence.

Describing El-Rufai as someone who likes to project himself as more influential than he is, Lawal said he often claims credit for achievements beyond his actual contribution.

Lawal further alleged that there were claims that millions of dollars exchanged hands between Tinubu and some northern governors during the APC presidential primary process. However, he stressed that he did not have direct evidence of the alleged transactions.

“There were allegations that millions of dollars exchanged hands from Bola Tinubu to the northern governors, probably championed by Nasir El-Rufai. I don’t know for sure,” he said.

On former President Muhammadu Buhari’s role in the 2023 APC presidential primary, Lawal claimed Buhari deliberately refrained from openly endorsing any aspirant, including Tinubu, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Rotimi Amaechi, or Senate President Ahmad Lawan.

He attributed Buhari’s stance to declining health and reduced involvement in governance during the latter part of his administration, alleging that this created room for individuals around the former president to peddle influence and allegedly solicit money from aspirants while falsely claiming to have Buhari’s backing.

Lawal recounted that he repeatedly advised Tinubu against believing such claims and said former Osun State Governor Bisi Akande often helped clarify Buhari’s actual position after meeting with the former president.

He also shared an anecdote from the 2015 campaign, revealing that members of Buhari’s team sought financial support from wealthy Nigerians because Buhari was uncomfortable discussing campaign finances. According to Lawal, one fundraising meeting was held aboard a yacht to avoid public attention.