Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has revealed how former Vice President Atiku Abubakar allegedly sent him to persuade Peter Obi to become his running mate ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Lawal disclosed this while speaking during an interview with Diaspora Digital Media, where he recounted the events that preceded the eventual split between Atiku and Obi amid opposition coalition talks.
According to the former SGF, Atiku wanted Obi to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and accept the position of vice president on the party’s presidential ticket.
Lawal said the proposal included a plan for Atiku and Obi to govern together for four years before pursuing a constitutional amendment to introduce a single six-year presidential tenure.
How Atiku Sent Lawal To Meet Peter Obi
Recounting the conversation, Lawal said Atiku told him that he had influence with Obi and asked him to convince the former Anambra State governor to return to the political arrangement.
He said Atiku’s proposed plan involved serving as president for four years and subsequently amending the Constitution to create a single six-year presidential term.
Lawal also claimed that the proposed constitutional arrangement would provide for rotational presidency, beginning with the Southeast.
“After some time of working with Atiku, he sent me on a mission. They say you have influence against Peter Obi, I want Peter Obi to come back and be my vice presidential candidate,” Lawal recalled.
‘Peter Obi Didn’t Like The Idea’
Lawal said he personally travelled to meet Obi to present Atiku’s proposal despite heavy rainfall at the time.
According to him, Obi initially did not want him to make the journey because of the weather, but he eventually met with the former Anambra governor and explained the proposal.
Lawal said Obi, however, expressed reservations about the arrangement.
“I went and met Peter. It was raining that day. Peter didn’t even want me to come because it was raining that day. I woke my driver and my security up and we drove in the rain,” he said.
He added that after explaining the mission to Obi, the NDC presidential candidate told him that he did not particularly like the idea.
Atiku, Obi Split Over 2027 Opposition Coalition
Lawal’s revelation comes amid major political realignments ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Atiku eventually secured the ADC presidential ticket, while Obi emerged as the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). Recent reports also state that Obi was later paired with Rabiu Kwankwaso as his running mate.
Lawal had earlier resigned from the ADC in June 2026 after alleging irregularities in the party’s presidential primary, allegations that Atiku’s camp rejected.
The latest account by Lawal provides another glimpse into the negotiations and political calculations that preceded the eventual separation of the Atiku and Obi camps.