2027: APC-led govt can’t conduct free, fair elections – Babachir Lawal

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government would be unable to conduct a free and fair election in 2027 under a competitive multi-party system, insisting that the ruling party is structurally inclined to manipulate the electoral process to its advantage.

Lawal made the claim on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he also spoke on the conduct of his political party’s national convention, internal disputes, and broader concerns about Nigeria’s democratic trajectory.

According to him, the opposition’s confidence in the electoral process is undermined by what he described as systemic bias and institutional compromise.

“Every Nigerian understands that this government cannot afford to go to an election in a free and fair manner. Because they will lose woefully.”

He further alleged that state institutions, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), may not be entirely neutral in the process, accusing the commission of acting in ways that favour the ruling party.

“INEC is not the Supreme Court, they are not even the High Court. They are not Nigeria alone,” Lawal said, dismissing the commission’s authority in interpreting court decisions affecting party matters. “Whatever INEC does… Nigerians will decide.”

On the controversy surrounding his political alignment and suspension claims within his party, Lawal dismissed suggestions that he had been sanctioned, describing the move as illegitimate and driven by internal factions.

“You can suspend me from wherever, but those people are not in the party,” he said, insisting that those behind the announcement lacked constitutional authority within the party structure.

Lawal also defended the legitimacy of a recent party convention, describing it as successful despite legal and political disputes surrounding its conduct. He argued that judicial interpretations supported the leadership’s actions.

“What did the appeal court say? Status quo ante bellum. By the interpretation of our lawyers, that means the position of the leadership is validated.”

Turning to broader political concerns, the former SGF alleged that Nigeria was drifting towards a one-party state, warning that democratic competition was under threat.

“They want a one-party system. It is very clear.”

Despite the controversies, Lawal maintained that his party remains confident of electoral victory if conditions are fair, insisting that internal mobilisation and public sentiment are in its favour.

“We know the scenario out there, we know what people are saying,” he said. “Nigerians will decide.”