Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Rome for the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, calling it a non-achievement and a reinforcement of the controversial Muslim-Muslim ticket.
Speaking on Arise Television, Lawal alleged that the visit was likely facilitated by lobbyists aiming to polish the President’s image and described it as inappropriate for a Muslim leader to represent Christians at such a significant religious event.
Lawal also addressed the ongoing coalition efforts aimed at unseating Tinubu in the 2027 elections. He stated that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is not being considered as a platform for the coalition due to what he called its “incurable virus.” According to him, the coalition’s technical committee is debating whether to form a new political party or rebrand an existing one, and key figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar are actively involved in the movement.
In response, the PDP strongly rejected Lawal’s statements, dismissing them as politically motivated and irrelevant. In a statement by Yusuf Dingyadi on behalf of Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, the party emphasized it does not seek Lawal’s validation and remains the most experienced and enduring party in Nigeria. It highlighted Lawal’s controversial public service record and questioned his political relevance.
The PDP reaffirmed its commitment to rebuilding and positioning itself for electoral victory in 2027. It stated that while it welcomes constructive alliances, it will not align with individuals lacking democratic integrity. Urging the public to ignore Lawal’s remarks, the party expressed confidence in its renewed vision to restore national leadership and bring positive change to Nigeria.
