Babachir Lawal, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has stirred controversy by asserting that an Atiku Abubakar-led administration would fundamentally represent Fulani dominance. In a Facebook post over the weekend, Lawal, who recently parted ways with the African Democratic Congress due to alleged primary irregularities, argued that his warnings about Atiku’s potential presidency have triggered a wave of insults and threats from Fulani communities across Nigeria.
Lawal drew a parallel between Atiku’s candidacy and President Bola Tinubu’s tenure, noting that Tinubu’s administration is widely perceived as a Yoruba presidency—a label that many Yoruba people embrace. He suggested that Atiku’s presidency would carry a similar ethnic connotation, though he criticized the aggressive backlash he has faced for highlighting this viewpoint.
“Pointing out the hazards of an Atiku presidency for the nation does not equate to disrespecting the entire Fulani race,” Lawal wrote. “If the Fulani community chooses to interpret my remarks as an insult, that is their prerogative. We live in a free society.” His comments have ignited debate about ethnicity and leadership in Nigeria, drawing both support and condemnation.