Babachir Lawal casts doubt on supporting Peter Obi in 2027, citing a shift in political dynamics and regional priorities
Babachir Lawal, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has expressed uncertainty over his continued support for Labour Party’s Peter Obi in the 2027 general election.
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Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Lawal, who openly endorsed Obi during the 2023 presidential race, admitted that Nigeria’s political landscape had shifted significantly since the last elections.
“They say a day in politics is long. Things have changed. The parameters we used to evaluate our candidate in 2023 are going to be different this time,” he stated.
“We’ll see how it goes.”
While reaffirming his belief that Peter Obi was the “true winner” of the 2023 elections, Lawal stopped short of committing to future support, suggesting that evolving dynamics might redefine alliances ahead of 2027.
In a major political development, Lawal also revealed that northern politicians not currently in power have coalesced under a newly formed platform known as the Nigerian People’s Consultative Political Forum (North).
The aim, he said, is to foster unity and a strategic regional approach to the upcoming elections.
“There is disunity among us, and we analyse what this disunity means, what causes it, and how we can ameliorate it,” he explained. “We agreed that we must vote as a bloc.”
The forum, which reportedly includes nearly all key political figures from the north not holding government positions, plans to consolidate under a single party—the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—as a means to project unified influence.
According to Lawal, the northern region is prioritizing a candidate—regardless of ethnicity or region—who thoroughly understands and is willing to tackle northern Nigeria’s challenges.
“Whether the person is a northerner or a southerner, even if he’s from heaven, we’ll only support someone who understands the problems facing the North,” he declared.
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As the countdown to 2027 begins, Lawal’s comments signal shifting alliances and renewed emphasis on regional solidarity—setting the stage for an intense political build-up.
