Former SGF reveals alleged secret political arrangement between two of Nigeria’s biggest opposition figures
If you thought Nigerian politics couldn’t get more dramatic, hold your zobo — because former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has just thrown a political grenade into the room.
The former SGF has alleged that ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar once approached him with a jaw-dropping proposal — one that involved picking Labour Party’s Peter Obi as his running mate under a six-year single-term presidency plan.
What Exactly Did Babachir Lawal Claim?
According to Babachir Lawal, Atiku Abubakar came to him with a proposal that would have seen the former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, serve as Vice President under a single six-year term arrangement — a significant departure from Nigeria’s current constitutional framework of two four-year terms.
This allegation, if true, paints a fascinating picture of the behind-the-scenes political chess moves that Nigerians never get to see — the kind of oga-at-the-top conversations that happen in private rooms before manifestos are written and rallies are held.
Why This Story Matters to Every Nigerian
Let’s put this in proper context. During the 2023 general elections*, Atiku Abubakar flew the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag, while Peter Obi ran on the Labour Party platform and became the surprise favourite of millions of young Nigerians — the now-legendary *Obidient movement.
The two men ended up as rivals. But if Babachir Lawal’s claims are anything to go by, there was a moment — perhaps a critical fork in the road — where they could have been running mates instead of opponents.
Imagine that alternative timeline for a second.
The Six-Year Single-Term Idea — Not New, But Always Controversial
The concept of a single six-year presidential term is not new in Nigerian political discourse. It has been debated on and off for decades, with supporters arguing it would reduce the desperate, do-or-die nature of Nigerian elections, since a president wouldn’t need to spend their first term “settling” supporters to secure a second.
Critics, however, argue it could concentrate too much power in one person’s hands without the accountability that comes from seeking re-election.
Whether Atiku genuinely believed in this model or was simply using it as a political sweetener to attract Peter Obi’s participation remains a question only those in the room can answer.
Babachir Lawal — A Man Who Knows Where the Bodies Are Buried
It is worth noting that Babachir Lawal is no small voice in Nigerian politics. He served as SGF under President Muhammadu Buhari before his controversial sacking in 2017. He later became one of Buhari’s most vocal critics and played a notable role in the 2023 election cycle as a key figure in the Arewa political conversation.
When a man of his pedigree makes allegations like this, the political class listens — even if they won’t admit it publicly.
The Big Question: Will Atiku or Peter Obi Respond?
As of now, neither Atiku Abubakar’s camp nor Peter Obi’s team has publicly responded to these claims. But knowing how Nigerian political drama unfolds, a response — or a carefully worded denial — is likely only a matter of time.
Nigerian political watchers will no doubt be glued to their screens, waiting for the next move on this particular chessboard.
What do you think? Would a Atiku-Obi ticket have changed the outcome of the 2023 elections? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and share this story with your people!
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