"Political Maneuvering Unsuccessfully Attempted by Babachir Lawal, According to the Presidency, as He Tried to Lure Tinubu"
In a series of recent public appearances, Babachir Lawal, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has been vocal in his criticism of President Bola Tinubu. The presidency has responded with a barrage of criticism, labelling Lawal as a fair-weather friend, opportunist, clout chaser, and clay-footed political crusader.
Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, has been particularly vocal in his criticism. He described Lawal's interview on Channels Television as incoherent and desperate, a poorly scripted attempt to bait President Tinubu. Dare also recalled Lawal's past statements, where he swore that the wrath of God should befall anyone who stood in Tinubu's way to the presidency.
Lawal's current behaviour includes casually flinging insults at President Tinubu, disrespecting his office, and making derogatory references. His most notable comment, referred to as 'so-called President', has been deemed disgraceful by the presidency. Dare, however, allowed that Lawal is allowed to throw tantrums but should know when to stop short of denigrating the office and person of the President.
Lawal's outburst has been seen as a deeply troubled soul, swinging in all directions and wearing ideological inconsistency like a badge of honour. His performance on Channels Television was characterized as incoherent and desperate, gasping for political oxygen, according to Dare.
The relationship between Lawal and Tinubu once flourished, with Lawal serving as SGF during Tinubu's administration. However, tensions grew over time, culminating in Lawal openly challenging Tinubu's 2023 presidential election victory. Lawal has publicly asserted that Tinubu did not win the election, alleging electoral fraud and result manipulation, claiming that his own team monitored voting processes and found irregularities.
Lawal's criticisms towards Tinubu are notably harsh. He accuses Tinubu of arrogance and insists the current leader offends him rather than the other way around. Lawal contends that Tinubu's leadership lacks fairness and a genuine sense of belonging for all Nigerians, contrasting that with his endorsement of Peter Obi as the true winner of the 2023 election.
The strained relationship reportedly also has a personal undertone. Lawal’s discontent is partly linked to political positioning—for example, he was purportedly unhappy about not being chosen as Tinubu’s vice president candidate. Additionally, Lawal has forecasted opposition to Tinubu from the northern political bloc, reflecting a broader political alienation.
Those who watch closely are only tolerating Lawal's flight of fancy for now, but this indulgence will not last forever. As the political landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how this public standoff between Lawal and Tinubu will unfold.
[1] Source: The Cable [2] Source: The Nation [3] Source: Punch Newspaper [4] Source: Vanguard
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