Babachir Lawal, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has explained why he called former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ‘Kachalla’, stating that the term is widely used by bandits like Bello Turji to address their local leaders. He made this known during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, shortly after resigning from the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Lawal argued that Atiku, being a Fulani man, should not find the label offensive because it is a common title in the bush. He further alleged that certain Fulani groups are celebrating Atiku’s emergence as a presidential candidate, believing it would increase their chances of producing Nigeria’s next leader.
The former SGF accused Atiku of failing to publicly condemn killings, kidnappings, and violent attacks across the country, especially in the North and his home state of Adamawa. He pointed to recent incidents where 18 people were killed and questioned why Atiku has not spoken out or visited the affected communities.
Lawal also referenced the murder of Deborah Samuel in Sokoto in 2022, claiming that Atiku initially issued a condemnation but later retracted it, saying his aide had acted without authorization. He emphasized that a presidential aspirant must clearly denounce violence and ongoing massacres.
‘I called him Kachalla because that is what people like Bello Turji call their local leaders. Is he not a Fulani? Fulanis are celebrating now that their brother has a ticket… Have you ever heard Atiku condemn any of these kidnappings? Not even talking about going there,’ Lawal stated.