ABUJA – Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has alleged that several top members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) — including some serving governors — are secretly backing an opposition coalition aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the 2027 general elections.

Lawal, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, made the claim during an appearance on Beyond the Headlines, a political programme aired Tuesday on TVC News. He said although many of the individuals within the APC have yet to go public with their discontent, they support the coalition’s mission to “replace this government with a better one.”

“Yes, there are [APC members working with the coalition], and they will speak for themselves,” Lawal said. “Some might not be brave or bold enough to do it the way I have, but there are very many, some tell me — including some governors.”

Lawal formally resigned from the APC on June 29, citing a culture of intimidation and suppression within the party. He said his quiet departure had long been in the making, revealing that he had been working internally against the APC’s policies and political direction for some time.

“We’re in a democracy. Even if you’re in a political party, you can choose to support a better candidate in another party,” he said. “I’m learning a template from APC — staying in one party while working for another. [Nyesom] Wike is our leader in that type of politics.”

Internal Discontent and Shifting Loyalties

Lawal painted a picture of a fractured ruling party devoid of internal cohesion, where dissent is treated as treason.

“The APC has never been united; it’s a party that has been bullied into silence. Even advice is seen as anti-party. You cannot talk truth to power in APC,” he said.

He also claimed that many APC loyalists, including those who once supported President Tinubu, now feel disillusioned by the government’s performance and are seeking alternative leadership through the emerging coalition.

“A lot of us want a better government that serves Nigerians. There’s nothing wrong if we, former APC members or Tinubu allies, come together to make a change,” he added.

On Politicians Defecting to the APC

Responding to the wave of defections into the APC, Lawal was dismissive, arguing that many of the defectors are simply seeking political survival rather than ideological alignment.

“It’s true the governors are decamping — but why? Because they know the president has given himself an automatic ticket. There’ll be no primaries,” he said.

He further accused the ruling party of manipulating election outcomes and warned that such practices are driving fear among opposition politicians, prompting them to join the APC to protect their political relevance.

“Most of these governors know that this government became what it is by writing results. And they can write you out, even at your own party’s convention,” he said. “But the people are not moving with them.”

Clarifying the Role of Atiku, Obi, and Amaechi in the Coalition

Lawal rejected the notion that the coalition is being led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, stressing that the movement is a collaborative effort involving various political figures — including Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi.

“This coalition is not about Atiku. I’ve attended meetings tilted towards Obi, Atiku, and Amaechi. Atiku has never spoken, except once at our last meeting,” he said.

He emphasized that all participants had agreed to set aside personal ambitions for now, acknowledging that no single figure can unseat an incumbent government alone.

“Peter Obi understands that the Obedient movement can’t win on a standalone basis. Amaechi understands. Atiku too. We must have a coalition, join forces, and work together.”

What This Means Ahead of 2027

Lawal’s revelations offer a rare glimpse into the undercurrents of political discontent brewing within the APC, with 2027 still over two years away. His remarks reinforce growing speculation about possible cracks in the ruling party’s foundation, and they highlight efforts by opposition forces to coalesce around a unified agenda.