BREAKING: Babachir Lawal Leaves APC for ADC Years After Grass-Cutting Contract Scandal

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal, has officially resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in a major political development ahead of the 2027 general elections.

TJ News Nigeria reports that Lawal, a foundational figure in the formation of the APC and a close ally of former President Muhammadu Buhari, confirmed his defection on Saturday. His move comes amid growing dissatisfaction with the ruling party’s direction and internal leadership.

In a public statement issued shortly after submitting his resignation, Lawal declared:

“I can no longer be part of a political party that has strayed far from the ideals on which it was founded. The APC has lost its way, and it has become evident that meaningful reforms from within are no longer possible.”

Background: Grass-Cutting Scandal and Legal Battles

Babachir Lawal, who served as SGF from 2015 until his removal in 2017, was previously embroiled in a high-profile controversy widely referred to as the “grass-cutting scandal.” The case centered on allegations that a ₦544 million contract for clearing invasive vegetation in the North-East—under the Presidential Initiative on the North East (PINE)—was fraudulently awarded to a company linked to him.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Lawal in 2019 and later re-arraigned him on amended charges in 2020. However, in November 2022, the FCT High Court discharged and acquitted him, ruling that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against him. The court noted that there was no direct evidence linking Lawal to the award process or confirming he influenced the contract’s approval.

Despite the ruling, the EFCC announced its intention to appeal the judgment.

ADC’s Growing Influence

TJ News Nigeria gathered that Lawal’s defection is likely to boost the visibility and strength of the ADC, which has recently welcomed a number of high-profile politicians from other parties. Analysts believe the former SGF’s presence could help reposition the party as a viable third-force contender.

His political experience, coupled with his earlier association with Nigeria’s anti-corruption narrative, may play a strategic role in ADC’s 2027 campaign messaging.

As the political landscape continues to shift, Lawal’s exit marks yet another indication of internal fractures within the APC ahead of what is expected to be a fiercely contested electoral cycle.