2027: Babachir Crippled ADC, Hurt Atiku’s Chances Beyond Repair — Political Commentator Claims

Fresh debate over the opposition’s readiness for the 2027 general elections has emerged after political commentator Imran Wakili claimed that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar may struggle to recover from internal setbacks allegedly linked to former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal.

In a post shared on X on Thursday, Wakili argued that Babachir’s actions triggered the departure of several influential political figures from the ADC, leaving the party significantly weakened ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to him, the exits of prominent politicians, including former Adamawa State Governor Muhammadu Umaru Bindow, former senator Ishaku Abbo, Aishatu Binani, Murtala Nyako and Nafiu Bala, reflected the extent of the internal crisis.

“The damage Babachir did to Atiku and ADC—there is no coming back from it. Bindow is gone, nobody is left in ADC except Atiku himself,” Wakili wrote, attributing the departures and legal challenges within the party to Babachir’s influence.

The remarks come weeks after Babachir announced his resignation from the African Democratic Congress, ending his association with the party amid growing political disagreements.

Explaining his decision at the time, the former SGF alleged that the ADC had become a “rigging machine” ahead of the 2027 general elections. He also accused Atiku and some of his political associates of pursuing ethnic and religious interests rather than building an inclusive opposition platform.

Babachir further argued that another presidential bid by Atiku could inadvertently improve President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s chances of securing a second term in office.

Neither Atiku nor the leadership of the ADC has officially responded to Wakili’s latest comments, which have continued to fuel conversations about the opposition’s internal cohesion ahead of the next electoral cycle.