By Seyi Babalola

Babachir Lawal, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has stated that if the 2027 elections are free and fair, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will suffer a resounding defeat.

Lawal, an African Democratic Congress (ADC) leader, made the statement on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, accusing the current administration of seeking to establish a one-party system.

“They want a one-party system. Look, it is very clear, 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 said.

Asked whether the ADC had empirical data to support the claim, Lawal answered in the affirmative but declined to make the figures public, describing them as internal party information.

His comments come amid a standoff between the ADC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following the commission’s decision to suspend recognition of the David Mark-led National Working Committee and other factions pending the outcome of a court case.

INEC has also stated that it would not monitor the party’s congresses and conventions. Despite this, the ADC continued with its internal operations, culminating in its national convention on Tuesday, which Lawal deemed a success.

Defending the legitimacy of the exercise, the former SGF stated that the party followed legal advice and rejected INEC’s position.

“We don’t listen to INEC. They are not the Appeal Court, they are not the Supreme Court, not even the High Court. So, INEC can say whatever they want to say. We are going to be on the ballot whatever INEC says; we are going to participate in this election,” he stated.

Lawal added that while the ADC has solutions to Nigeria’s problems, its immediate priority is to dislodge the current administration.

“First thing first, we have the solution… But first thing first, stop this government from continuing with what they have started,” he said.