Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has criticised the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket adopted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 general election, saying it has worsened perceptions of religious exclusion and contributed to insecurity and alleged persecution of Christians in parts of Nigeria.
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Lawal made the remarks during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television, where he faulted the APC’s handling of national unity and security, arguing that the political decision had far-reaching consequences beyond electoral considerations.
Describing the ticket as unjust, he said it created the impression that no Christian in Northern Nigeria was qualified to serve as vice president, a narrative he believes deepened resentment and mistrust across communities.
“The Muslim-Muslim ticket is an issue of injustice to me,” Lawal said. “It implied that of all the millions of Christians in the North, none is good enough to be vice president.”
He linked the development to worsening insecurity, claiming that the perception created by the ticket had been exploited by violent actors and contributed to killings and unrest in parts of the country.
According to him, “since that time, we have seen what has happened,” as he referenced ongoing violence, which he described as having religious undertones.
Lawal further alleged that the situation has emboldened criminal elements, stating that the impression created by the political arrangement had empowered individuals to perpetrate violence.
He also pointed to longstanding grievances among Christian communities in Northern Nigeria, alleging systemic discrimination, denial of rights, and exclusion, which he said were aggravated by the 2023 presidential ticket.
Beyond the issue of religious balancing, Lawal raised concerns about Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections, alleging that the APC-led government may be unable to conduct a credible and competitive election.
“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.
He further questioned the neutrality of key institutions, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing the electoral body of actions that could favour the ruling party, though he did not provide verifiable evidence.
Lawal also dismissed claims of his suspension from his political party, insisting that those behind the move were not legitimate members and lacked the constitutional authority to take such action.
On internal party matters, he defended the conduct of a recent convention, maintaining that it was valid based on legal interpretations of court rulings, particularly the principle of “status quo ante bellum,” which he said affirmed the leadership’s position.
He criticised dissenting voices within the party, alleging that some individuals were acting in the interest of the ruling APC to destabilise the opposition.
The former SGF also warned that Nigeria risks sliding into a one-party state, alleging that there are deliberate efforts to weaken opposition parties and consolidate political power.
“They want a one-party system. It is very clear,” he said.
Despite the concerns, Lawal expressed confidence that Nigerians would ultimately determine the outcome of future elections, insisting that public sentiment and internal assessments indicate growing support for opposition forces.
“We know the scenario out there, we know what people are saying. Nigerians will decide,” he added.
His comments come amid intensifying political debates over electoral integrity, religious inclusion, and opposition coalition efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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