Fresh Rift Emerges As Atiku Levels Ethnic Discrimination Allegation Against Babachir

Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has accused former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, of promoting ethnic prejudice and advancing unfounded conspiracy theories.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described Lawal’s recent criticisms as lacking factual basis and driven by divisive rhetoric and ethnic profiling.

According to Atiku, one of the most disturbing aspects of Lawal’s comments was his attempt to associate an entire ethnic group with the actions of a few criminal elements.

He argued that it was both irresponsible and dangerous to judge or condemn individuals solely based on their ethnic background because of crimes committed by others who share the same ancestry.

Atiku warned that such narratives could deepen existing divisions in Nigeria at a time when the country is grappling with insecurity, economic challenges, and political tensions.

He noted that applying such logic could result in every ethnic group being unfairly blamed for the actions of a minority, a mindset he said has historically undermined national unity.

The former vice-president also accused Lawal of making contradictory public statements.

He questioned how Lawal could simultaneously portray himself as a victim of political conspiracies while reportedly claiming that several governors were attempting to bring him back into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Nigerians deserve to know which version of Babachir Lawal to believe,” Atiku said, adding that the contradictions reflected an individual struggling to reconcile personal grievances with political realities.

Atiku further criticised Lawal for allegedly attempting to stigmatise the Fulani ethnic group despite having served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, who is also Fulani.

He pointed out that Lawal accepted his appointment as Secretary to the Government of the Federation under Buhari and enjoyed the privileges and responsibilities that came with the office.

According to Atiku, it is therefore difficult to understand why Lawal would now seek to generalise or stigmatise an entire ethnic group because another Fulani politician is seeking the presidency through democratic means.

The ADC candidate also rejected suggestions that he had been indifferent to victims of violence across Nigeria.

He cited his visits to communities affected by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and communal clashes, including his attendance at a church thanksgiving service in Kagoro, Southern Kaduna, following deadly attacks in the area.

Atiku said leadership should be defined by compassion and solidarity rather than ethnic or religious considerations.

Reflecting on his contributions to education and human development, he highlighted his role in facilitating scholarships for some of the released Chibok schoolgirls at the American University of Nigeria, Yola.

According to him, the initiative demonstrated a commitment to healing, hope, and nation-building rather than exploiting national tragedies for political gain.

He also defended his business and educational legacy, describing attempts to undermine his credentials as unfounded.

Atiku pointed to the American University of Nigeria as evidence of the impact private initiative can have on society, noting that thousands of graduates and their families have benefited from the institution.

The former vice-president said Lawal’s recent comments appeared to be driven by bitterness and resentment rather than facts and reason.

He urged the former SGF to abandon divisive politics and embrace reflection and reconciliation, arguing that Nigeria needs leaders who promote unity rather than hostility.

“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,” Atiku stated.

The statement was issued in response to a Facebook post by Lawal titled Kachalla II, in which the former SGF questioned Atiku’s character and competence and called on the ADC to replace him with another presidential candidate.

Lawal argued that scrutinising the character and competence of anyone seeking the nation’s highest office was a legitimate democratic exercise. He further suggested that the ADC would improve its chances in future elections by fielding what he described as a more qualified candidate.