Atiku wanted Peter Obi as Vice President under six-year single-term plan – Former SGF, Babachir Lawal claims

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has alleged that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar approached him with a proposal to convince Peter Obi to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as his running mate ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Babachir Lawal made the claims during an interview with JKD Media, where he recounted the alleged proposal and offered a harsh assessment of Atiku Abubakar’s political style.

According to Babachir Lawal, Atiku Abubakar contacted him to persuade Peter Obi to accept the vice-presidential slot. “Atiku called me and told me that he wanted to work with me. He gave me a mission to convince Peter Obi to join the ADC and serve as his vice president,” Babachir Lawal said.

He further claimed that Atiku Abubakar proposed a constitutional arrangement involving a single six-year presidential term.

“He explained that during their four-year term, they would amend the Constitution to a single six-year term, which Obi would benefit from. I went to Obi with this proposal, but Peter Obi said he was not interested,” he added.

Reflecting on his past relationship with Atiku Abubakar, Babachir Lawal expressed disappointment over their inability to align politically.

“I was hoping at one time I would be able to work with Atiku, but he’s an impossible person to work with,” he said. Babachir Lawal went on to criticize Atiku Abubakar’s personal conduct and political leadership style.

“He’s full of himself, he’s not a good man and he doesn’t see life in you if you are not a Fulani man,” Babachir Lawal alleged.Underscoring the rift between them, Babachir Lawal remarked: “If Atiku hears I’m dead today, he will do a dinner party in his house.”

The claims come amid heightened political realignments ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, as several opposition figures negotiating potential alliances.