“Muslim-Muslim Ticket Was an Insult”: Lawal Tears into Tinubu Administration

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has launched a blistering critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of fostering division, mismanaging the economy, and sidelining religious equity.

In a no-holds-barred interview on Arise Television, Lawal—once a key political ally of President Tinubu—spared no punches, declaring that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has become a magnet for self-serving politicians.

“Most of these defectors are just trying to protect their stomachs and maintain the luxurious lifestyles they built with public funds,” Lawal said.

Lawal took specific aim at Tinubu’s recent visit to the Vatican, calling it a hollow gesture and a deflection from deeper issues of religious imbalance.

“Going to see the Pope is nothing more than lobbying. If we had true religious equity, a Christian vice president should have led that delegation,” he argued.

He reiterated his long-standing objection to the Muslim-Muslim ticket, labeling it a “deliberate insult to Christianity” and a dangerous precedent.

“This isn’t about religion—it’s about fairness,” he said. “I wouldn’t support a Christian-Christian ticket either. But when leaders practice injustice, society pays the price.”

Lawal accused Tinubu of being disconnected from reality and indifferent to the economic suffering of Nigerians.

“He has cotton wool in his ears. Insecurity has surged, poverty has worsened, and the economy has collapsed. They’re borrowing money that doesn’t even enter Nigeria. This government has no intention of fixing the country.”

He dismissed international praise for Nigeria’s economic reforms, alleging that global financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank are complicit in underdeveloping nations.

“No country emerges better after IMF intervention. Their goal is to keep us poor and let their people exploit our wealth.”

On internal party matters, Lawal claimed that many of the 21 governors who failed to deliver their states during the 2023 elections prove that Nigeria’s political elite have lost credibility with the electorate.

He also confirmed ongoing coalition talks among opposition figures, noting that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has been actively involved in most meetings.

“Atiku is one of the most committed, but no one is even thinking of the PDP. That party is incurable—no antibiotic can fix it,” Lawal said, hinting that a new platform or smaller party may be adopted instead.

Lawal revealed he has not spoken with Tinubu since June 2022, when the president named Kashim Shettima as his running mate—an event that sparked Lawal’s dissent. Since then, he has remained vocal in his opposition, calling on Nigerians not to be misled by official narratives.

“People must feel they belong before they can commit to building this nation. This government has failed to foster that sense of belonging, and that is why Nigeria is suffering today.”