By Nkechi Eze
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), declaring support for the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Lawal announced his decision on Tuesday during a visit to the NDC National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, and members of the National Working Committee (NWC) in Abuja.
The former SGF, who left the African Democratic Congress (ADC) months ago, said he joined the NDC to contribute to efforts aimed at addressing the country’s security and economic challenges.
Lawal said Nigerians concerned about insecurity, economic hardship, hunger, ignorance and disease should support a political platform committed to changing the country’s circumstances.
Receiving Lawal into the party, Dickson described him as an experienced politician, organiser and mobiliser with considerable knowledge of Nigeria’s political landscape.
The NDC leadership also used the occasion to outline its preparations for the 2027 elections, particularly efforts to establish a strong network of trained party agents across polling units nationwide.
Dickson disclosed that the NWC had inaugurated a committee responsible for the selection of party agents, who would subsequently undergo training ahead of the elections.
He said the party was working with its leaders across the country to identify credible Nigerians who would serve as agents and ensure adequate coverage of polling units during the elections.
A member of the agent selection committee said the NDC would ensure that its agents were properly trained and equipped to protect votes cast for the party’s candidates.
He also urged Nigerians to go beyond voting by remaining at polling units during counting and following the results through the collation process.
A representative of the Kankwansiya support group from Kano said voters in the state traditionally remain at polling units until their votes are counted and announced, stressing that the practice would continue during the 2027 elections.
Meanwhile, Dickson cautioned support groups affiliated with the NDC against operating as parallel structures or competing with the party for control.
He said support groups had an important role to play in grassroots mobilisation and the promotion of the party’s candidates but must operate within the established party structure and campaign framework.
“Support groups don’t compete with the political party that is sponsoring candidates. Support groups don’t compete for supremacy, for space. Support groups are what they are, support groups,” Dickson said.
He added that the NDC recognised the importance of support groups and had made provisions within its structure for their effective coordination.
