By: Bayero Ade
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has disclosed that efforts are underway to block President Bola Tinubu from securing a second term in 2027.
According to Top Newspaper, Lawal, once a close associate of Tinubu but now a vocal critic, stated that the northern region is mobilizing against the president due to dissatisfaction with his administration’s policies.
He argued that the economic hardship caused by what he described as “harsh reforms” has left many in the North struggling, leading to widespread resentment.
According to him, there is a strong consensus among northerners that Tinubu should not be re-elected. “If these policies continue for another four years, northern Nigeria could be reduced to a humanitarian crisis,” he warned.
Lawal also revealed that discussions are ongoing to identify a viable alternative to Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election. He emphasized that regional origin is not the primary concern, but rather the candidate’s ability to unify the country and lead with fairness.
“There are different perspectives on where the next leader should come from. Some believe a southern candidate with a nationalistic outlook would be ideal, while others argue that the North cannot afford to take that risk. However, what remains clear is the collective agreement that a replacement for Tinubu is necessary,” Lawal stated.
He further criticized some northern political figures, including APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, accusing them of prioritizing personal gains over the suffering of ordinary citizens. He asserted that despite outward support from certain elites, the general sentiment among northern voters is against Tinubu’s re-election.
“The political elite may pretend to support him, but they won’t vote for him. They are feeling the impact of these policies just like the masses and are determined to ensure he doesn’t get another term,” he added.
Lawal’s remarks align with recent concerns raised by other political figures. Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, had earlier suggested that Tinubu could face a backlash in 2027 similar to the electoral defeat of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.
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