N※N

Show Politics and Government Publications

Babachir Lawal Endorses Kwankwaso, Accuses Tinubu of Anti-North Agenda

Babachir Lawal Backs Kwankwaso for 2027 Presidency, Accuses Tinubu of Anti-North Agenda

In a bold political move ahead of the 2027 Nigerian presidential elections, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir David Lawal has thrown his weight behind Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the national leader of the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP) and a prominent northern politician. Lawal, a vocal critic of the current administration, has openly endorsed Kwankwaso as a potential candidate to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alleging that the president's policies and appointments are deliberately designed to undermine the interests of northern Nigeria. This endorsement comes amid growing tensions within Nigeria's political landscape, where regional divides continue to shape electoral strategies and alliances.

Lawal, who served as SGF under former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2015 until his dismissal in 2017 over corruption allegations related to a grass-cutting contract scandal, has positioned himself as a defender of northern interests. In recent statements, he has lambasted Tinubu's administration for what he describes as a systematic marginalization of the North. According to Lawal, Tinubu's governance style reflects an "anti-North agenda" that prioritizes the Southwest region—Tinubu's home base—over other parts of the country, particularly the North, which played a pivotal role in his 2023 electoral victory.

One of the core allegations leveled by Lawal centers on the distribution of key appointments in Tinubu's government. He claims that critical positions in security, finance, and economic management have been disproportionately allocated to individuals from the Southwest, leaving northerners sidelined. For instance, Lawal points to the appointments in agencies like the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and various security outfits, arguing that these choices reflect a deliberate strategy to consolidate power in the South while weakening northern influence. "The North is being shortchanged," Lawal reportedly stated, emphasizing that such imbalances could erode the fragile unity of the nation if not addressed.

Beyond appointments, Lawal criticizes Tinubu's economic policies, which he believes have disproportionately harmed northern communities. He highlights the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira as measures that have exacerbated poverty, inflation, and unemployment in the North, where agriculture and informal trade form the backbone of the economy. According to Lawal, these policies have led to skyrocketing food prices and reduced purchasing power, hitting rural northern populations hardest. He accuses the administration of failing to implement targeted interventions for the region, such as agricultural subsidies or infrastructure projects that could mitigate the fallout. Instead, Lawal alleges, resources are being funneled into southern projects, further widening the economic gap between regions.

Lawal's endorsement of Kwankwaso is framed as a call for northern unity and a strategic response to these perceived injustices. Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State and a two-time presidential candidate (in 2019 under the Peoples Democratic Party and in 2023 under the NNPP), is seen by Lawal as a credible figure who can rally the North against what he calls Tinubu's divisive tactics. Lawal praises Kwankwaso's track record in education, infrastructure, and youth empowerment during his tenure in Kano, suggesting that these achievements make him a strong contender to address national challenges. "Kwankwaso has the vision and the grassroots support to lead Nigeria forward," Lawal is quoted as saying, urging other northern leaders to coalesce around him to prevent a repeat of the 2023 election dynamics, where northern votes were split.

This development is not isolated; it reflects broader discontent among some northern elites with Tinubu's administration. Lawal, a Christian from Adamawa State, also touches on religious dimensions, claiming that the president's policies subtly favor certain ethnic and religious groups, potentially alienating northern Muslims and Christians alike. He warns that if the anti-North agenda persists, it could lead to widespread disillusionment and even unrest in the region, which has historically been a kingmaker in Nigerian politics. Lawal recalls how the North's support was instrumental in Tinubu's victory over rivals like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi in 2023, yet feels that this loyalty has not been reciprocated.

In advocating for Kwankwaso, Lawal is also positioning the 2027 election as a referendum on regional equity. He calls for a broader coalition that includes disaffected elements from other regions, potentially forming an opposition bloc against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Kwankwaso himself has been active in building his political machinery through the NNPP, focusing on youth mobilization and anti-corruption rhetoric, which aligns with Lawal's criticisms of the current government.

Critics of Lawal, however, might point to his own controversial past, including the unresolved allegations from his time as SGF, as undermining his moral authority to critique others. Nonetheless, his statements have sparked debates on social media and among political analysts, with some viewing them as a harbinger of shifting alliances ahead of 2027. Pro-Tinubu voices have dismissed Lawal's claims as baseless politicking, insisting that the president's appointments are merit-based and that economic reforms are necessary for long-term national growth, regardless of regional biases.

As Nigeria inches closer to the next electoral cycle, Lawal's endorsement and allegations underscore the enduring role of regionalism in the country's politics. Whether this translates into tangible support for Kwankwaso remains to be seen, but it certainly adds fuel to the discourse on equity, governance, and the future direction of Africa's most populous nation. Lawal's intervention could galvanize northern sentiments, potentially reshaping the political narrative and forcing the Tinubu administration to address these grievances to maintain its broad-based appeal.

This unfolding saga highlights the complexities of Nigerian democracy, where personal ambitions, regional loyalties, and policy critiques intersect. With Kwankwaso emerging as a focal point for opposition in the North, the stage is set for intense maneuvering in the lead-up to 2027, as stakeholders weigh the merits of unity versus division in pursuit of power. (Word count: 852)

Read the Full legit Article at:
[ https://www.legit.ng/politics/1666537-2027-election-sgf-babachir-backs-kwankwaso-alleges-tinubu-promoting-anti-north-agenda/ ]