The Presidency has reacted to the resignation of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, from the African Democratic Congress, ADC, describing it as a setback for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, in a post on X on Monday said Lawal’s resignation amounted to a strong rejection of Atiku and the ADC.

“Babachir David Lawal just handed Atiku Abubakar and his captured ADC a stinging rebuke, along with a bitter divorce,” Onanuga wrote while sharing a post by the former SGF.

DAILY POST reports that the reaction followed Lawal’s announcement on Facebook that he had resigned from the party over alleged irregularities in its recently concluded primaries.

Lawal claimed that the primaries at various levels were manipulated in favour of Atiku and his supporters, alleging that election results were altered and that some winners were replaced by individuals loyal to the former vice president.

The former SGF said he could not remain in a party he accused of operating a “rigging machine” ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He also accused Atiku and his allies of pursuing ethnic and religious interests, arguing that the former vice president’s emergence as a presidential candidate would ultimately strengthen President Bola Tinubu’s chances of securing a second term.

Lawal further criticised northern political leaders and delegates, whom he accused of supporting Atiku’s emergence despite the region’s economic and security challenges.

The Kano State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said it supports the presidential ambition of former President Goodluck Jonathan, adding that it respects decisions taken by the party’s national leadership.

The state PDP chairman, Hon. Yusuf Ado Kibiya, made this known on Monday during a press briefing at the party secretariat in Kano, where he addressed internal party matters and recent political developments.

Kibiya said the state chapter had examined the National Executive Committee’s decision on Jonathan’s candidacy and would continue to adhere to the party’s rules and constitution.

“Kano PDP has reviewed the national executive’s decision regarding the presidential candidacy of former President Goodluck Jonathan,” he said.

He added that the party respects the process that led to the decision and supports the right of the national leadership to determine the party’s direction.

“We acknowledge and respect the processes that led to this decision and affirm our support for their right to determine the party’s national trajectory, within the framework of our constitution and legal guidelines,” Kibiya stated.

He also said the Kano PDP would continue to work with other stakeholders to strengthen the party ahead of future elections.

“Our regional chapter remains aligned with the party’s broad objectives and will engage in constructive dialogue to advance PDP’s mission across Kano and Nigeria,” he added.

Kibiya called on members to remain united, disciplined, and focused on the party’s objectives.

He also assured supporters that, despite recent defections and political changes, the PDP in Kano remains united and committed to providing strong democratic leadership.

According to him, the party remains focused on democratic values, accountability, and public service, and will continue to play an important role in Nigeria’s politics.