Atiku Abubakar, the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the 2027 presidency, has strongly refuted allegations made by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal. Lawal had accused Atiku of neglecting victims of violence across Nigeria.
In a detailed response, Atiku’s camp emphasized that the former Vice President has consistently demonstrated solidarity with affected communities. Notably, he attended a church thanksgiving service in Kagoro, Southern Kaduna, to express support for families grieving from recent attacks. This act, according to his spokesperson Phrank Shaibu, underscores Atiku’s commitment to all Nigerians regardless of ethnicity or religion.
The statement, titled ‘From Kagoro to Chibok: The Atiku Babachir Lawal Refuses to See,’ highlighted Atiku’s long-standing condemnation of terrorism, banditry, kidnappings, and communal violence. Shaibu argued that Lawal’s portrayal of Atiku as indifferent is contradicted by his public record of uniting people across divides during crises.
Atiku’s team also pointed out the irony in Lawal’s criticism, noting that Lawal himself benefited from the support of the Fulani community when he was appointed SGF under President Muhammadu Buhari. They questioned why Lawal now vilifies the same ethnic group when Atiku, a Fulani, seeks the presidency through democratic means.
The response further asserted that Atiku has spoken out against violence in numerous regions, including Plateau, Benue, Southern Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina, Borno, Niger, and Owo. While acknowledging that statements alone may not suffice, the camp insisted that claims of Atiku’s silence are false.