Babachir Lawal’s serial defections

Recurrent political defections in Nigeria have once again been highlighted by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal's recent shift to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). This development has sparked discussions on the fluidity with which Nigerian politicians switch allegiances. While Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act obliges political parties to submit candidate details at least 120 days before an election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had directed parties to submit their membership registers by May 10, 2026, for the 2027 general elections. This extension was later confirmed by a court ruling.

Lawal, who had been a political associate of Peter Obi since the 2023 elections, announced his defection to the NDC just a few months before the scheduled elections. His decision has been met with mixed reactions. Pundits are struggling to predict the impact of his move to the NDC, especially considering the existing political tensions between him and the party's governorship candidate, Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed, popularly known as Binani.

The rift between Lawal and Binani became a major issue within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Adamawa State, where the party's membership was divided into two factions. One faction, led by Lawal, supported the traditional party structure, while the other, backed by Binani, advocated for adherence to the party's constitution and reconciliation among its stakeholders.

The internal conflict within the ADC in Adamawa intensified in April 2026 when the faction aligned with Binani announced its withdrawal from the party, citing issues of poor congress management and lack of internal democracy. Former chairman of the Legacy African Democratic Congress in Kaduna State, Alhaji Tijjani Mustapha, viewed Lawal's defection as a positive development, stating that it would allow the party to refocus on strengthening its structures and preparing for the 2027 elections.

However, the chairman of the Northern Christian Association, Rev. Joseph Hayab, noted that while political defection is a personal choice, it can raise questions about political or moral judgment. He also pointed out that several prominent presidential aspirants have changed parties since the return to democracy in 1999, suggesting that defection is not uncommon in Nigerian politics.