Obi never fully invested in ADC, says Babachir Lawal
Babachir Lawal, former secretary to the government of the federation and a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has criticised Peter Obi over what he described as a lack of commitment to the party prior to his recent defection.
Speaking during a Prime Time interview on Arise Television on Tuesday, Lawal said Obi was never fully invested in the ADC, despite joining its coalition.
His remarks followed the decision by Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to leave the ADC for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), citing “endless court cases, internal battles” and uncertainty about the party’s future.
Lawal argued that Obi joined the party late and showed limited dedication from the outset.
“Peter Obi joined the coalition after it had already been underway for quite some time. We never truly felt his commitment to the ADC,” he said.
He revealed that the party leadership made special concessions to accommodate Obi, including allowing him to nominate the organising secretary—an opportunity not extended to other members.
“To accommodate him, we allowed him to single-handedly bring in the organising secretary. That privilege was unique to him,” Lawal stated.
According to Lawal, the move was intended to reassure Obi about the party’s internal processes, given the strategic importance of the role in managing electoral activities.
