Atiku Calls Out Babachir Lawal for Ethnic Stigmatisation

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, on Sunday responded strongly to Babachir Lawal, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Atiku accused Lawal of promoting ethnic bias, spreading conspiracy theories, and worsening divisions when Nigeria needs unity to tackle its growing problems.

In a statement from his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku stated that Lawal’s recent remarks lacked any facts or proof. Instead, he said they were based on ethnic profiling and inflammatory language meant to discredit political rivals.

Atiku pointed out that the most concerning part of Lawal’s comments was his attempt to link an entire ethnic group to the actions of a few criminals. “It was both dangerous and irresponsible to suggest that any Nigerian should be judged, condemned, or held accountable for crimes committed by individuals simply because they share a common ancestry,” Atiku said.

He warned that such thinking threatens national unity and could deepen the existing divides in a nation already facing insecurity, economic struggles, and political tension. “By such flawed reasoning, every ethnic nationality in Nigeria could be collectively blamed for the actions of a few criminal elements within their communities, a mindset that has historically fuelled division and undermined national unity,” he added.

Political Tensions Ahead of Elections

This exchange is part of the ongoing political shifts as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general election. Opposition figures are positioning themselves against both the ruling party and other political actors. Atiku also pointed out what he sees as contradictions in Lawal’s statements, noting that on the same day he criticized Atiku, Lawal reportedly gave media interviews claiming his political importance and stating that several governors wanted him back in the All Progressives Congress.

“Nigerians are entitled to ask a simple question: which Babachir should they believe? The Babachir who claims to be a victim of political conspiracies and ethnic domination, or the Babachir who boasts that governors are scrambling for his services?” Atiku asked.

“At one moment, he presents himself as a lonely patriot standing against an imagined threat to Nigeria. The next moment, he portrays himself as a prized political asset being courted by powerful governors. Such contradictions expose a man struggling to reconcile personal disappointment with political reality,” he said.

Atiku accused Babachir of trying to stigmatise the Fulani ethnic group while having served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, who is also Fulani. He recalled that Buhari appointed Lawal as Secretary to the Government of the Federation, a top position in public service.

“At no point did Mr Lawal object to receiving such trust and elevation from a Fulani President. He accepted the office, the privileges, and the prestige that came with it. It is therefore difficult to understand why he now seeks to stigmatise an entire ethnic group merely because another Fulani man seeks the presidency through democratic means,” he stated.

Engagement with Affected Communities

Atiku also rejected claims that he ignored victims of violence across Nigeria. He insisted that his record shows he has consistently engaged with communities affected by terrorism, banditry, kidnappings, and communal conflicts. He mentioned the attacks on Kagoro in Southern Kaduna and said he personally attended a church service to support victims and their families.

“When tragedy struck the people of Kagoro in Southern Kaduna, I did not ask whether the victims were Christians or Muslims, northerners or southerners, Fulani or non-Fulani. Instead, I attended a church Thanksgiving service to identify with the grieving community, commiserate with families affected by the violence, and demonstrate solidarity with fellow Nigerians in their moment of pain.

“Leadership is not about counting tribes or measuring faith. It is about standing with people in moments of difficulty, regardless of their ethnic or religious identity. That has always been my approach, and it will continue to be,” he stated.

Atiku highlighted his investments in education and human development, especially after the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls by Boko Haram. He facilitated scholarships for some of the girls at the American University of Nigeria, Yola, and noted that many have graduated and rebuilt their lives.

“Those young women are living proof that compassion is more powerful than bitterness and that nation-building requires action, not merely rhetoric. While some people chose to exploit national tragedies for political narratives, others chose to invest in healing and hope,” he said.

He defended his record as an entrepreneur, calling attempts to question his business credentials “amusing and detached from reality.”

“The American University of Nigeria stands as a visible and enduring monument to what private initiative can achieve. Thousands of graduates and their families are beneficiaries of that vision. No amount of political bitterness can erase those facts,” he added.

Atiku expressed his disappointment with Lawal’s comments, saying they show a man filled with resentment. “His heart appears full of bitterness, and his public utterances increasingly reflect anger rather than reason, grievance rather than evidence. While we do not share his hostility, we genuinely pity him. Politics should not reduce a man to a permanent state of outrage.

“Mr Lawal would be better served by stepping away from the politics of hate and embracing the kind of reflection and personal healing that can restore perspective and balance. Nigeria needs statesmen, not merchants of bitterness,” he added.

Vision for a United Nigeria

The latest back-and-forth happens as political manoeuvring increases before the next election cycle. Opposition figures are trying to reshape alliances and influence discussions on leadership, security, and governance. Atiku used this moment to restate his vision for a united Nigeria, warning against ethnic and religious stereotyping in politics.

“Nigeria deserves a conversation about the future, not endless bitterness about the past. Our people deserve leaders who unite rather than divide, heal rather than inflame, and build rather than destroy,” he said.

Atiku noted, “Babachir may see tribe. I see Nigerians. Babachir may see division. I see a nation that must come together if it is to overcome its present challenges. That is the difference between politics driven by resentment and leadership driven by purpose.”

He reaffirmed his commitment to a Nigeria where every citizen, regardless of ethnicity, religion, region, or social status, enjoys equal opportunity, protection, and dignity under the law.

Atiku’s criticism of Babachir comes after a Facebook post from the former SGF, where he questioned Atiku’s character and competence. In the post titled Kachalla II, Babachir said, “It is my right to interrogate the character and competence of someone who seeks to be my President. He is free to step down his ambition if he does not want to be so queried.

“I will urge ADC to replace this man with a more qualified candidate if they want to have any hope of winning the presidential election before the Independent National Electoral Commission timetable runs out on them,” he noted.