The Atiku Media Office has issued a strongly worded statement rejecting recent criticisms made by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, describing his remarks against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as “fabricated and brazen lies.”
This was contained in a statement signed by the Office and dated June 1, 2026.
The controversy began after Babachir Lawal publicly announced his resignation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alleging that the party’s presidential primary process was compromised and influenced by manipulation in favour of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
In his remarks, Lawal also extended his criticism beyond party procedures, making accusations that were widely interpreted as personal attacks on Atiku’s character and leadership style.
In the press release issued in Abuja on Monday the office said Lawal’s comments amounted to a “needless and senseless attack” on Atiku’s character and reputation.
“Ordinarily, the verbal vituperation and the utter rubbish churned out by Babachir Lawal would have been better ignored as the ranting of a man high on substance, but for the overriding need to put the records straight,” the statement read.
The media office also dismissed allegations of religious bigotry and nepotism leveled against Atiku, calling them “one of the laziest and most ridiculous lies anyone can spread against the former Vice President.”
It further defended Atiku’s political record, insisting that he remains “one of the most liberal politicians in Nigeria” whose conduct is open to public verification.
Reacting to Lawal’s claim that he left the African Democratic Congress over alleged manipulation during party primaries, the statement challenged him to provide evidence.
“When Babachir said he resigned from ADC because of the so-called rigging or manipulations during the primaries, he didn’t offer any proof of his allegations,” it said.
The statement escalated its criticism, accusing the former SGF of personal bias and divisive rhetoric.
“It’s evident from the load of garbage published by the former SGF that he holds personal animosity against Atiku Abubakar,” it added.
It also rejected Lawal’s accusations of ethnic or religious bias within Nigerian politics, stating: “There is no such thing as a Muslim and Christian party in Nigeria.”
The statement was concluded with a warning against what it described as “feeding the cauldron of division and bigotry among Nigerians for selfish interests,” urging Lawal to “search his conscience” and provide evidence for his claims or refrain from further comments.