Adamawa gov: Ex-SGF Babachir threatens legal action over ADC substitution

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has threatened to bring legal action against the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, following what he claims is the unlawful substitution of the party’s governorship candidate in Adamawa State. Lawal asserts that the ADC replaced its primary election winner, Umar Suleiman, with Tukur Moddibo, violating the Electoral Act 2026, ADC Constitution, and party guidelines.

Suleiman, who won the primary "in a landslide," was expected to represent the ADC in the 2027 election. Lawal claims the substitution was influenced by pressure from Atiku and other party leaders, and argues it could jeopardize the ADC's victory in the election. He further alleges that the move is part of a larger political strategy involving the All Progressives Congress candidate, Ahmed Galadima, and could impact non-Fulani and non-Muslim communities in Northern Nigeria.

Lawal maintains that voters in Adamawa still have viable alternatives and that other political parties have credible gubernatorial candidates, while suggesting that both the ADC and APC might face rejection by voters if the alleged substitution is not reversed.