Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has stated that those seeking to gain favor with former President Muhammadu Buhari, including loyalists of President Bola Tinubu, are merely “chasing shadows.” In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, Lawal emphasized that any genuine member of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) who prioritizes the welfare of the disadvantaged will actively work to remove the Tinubu administration, which he claims has caused suffering among the populace.
Lawal articulated that the CPC is fundamentally a movement focused on supporting the poor and marginalized, and he believes the current administration has failed to uphold these values. He criticized the government for what he described as a systematic approach to impoverishing the lower class, stating, “It is as if the sight of a poor person annoys them.”
When questioned about whether Buhari had endorsed the opposition coalition, which includes figures like Atiku and Obi, Lawal responded that they do not require Buhari’s blessing. “We are adults and do not need to seek his approval for our actions,” he asserted, indicating a desire to distance the coalition from the former president’s influence.
Lawal also took aim at former CPC members who have criticized him, particularly former Nasarawa Governor Tanko Al-Makura and ex-Minister Adebayo Shittu, labeling them as “black sheep” of the defunct party. He dismissed Shittu’s comments on the CPC being a “dead horse,” asserting that such remarks come from individuals who have lost touch with the party’s original mission.
Lawal underscored that a significant portion of the Nigerian population is suffering due to the current administration’s policies, and as a result, he feels compelled to mobilize against it. He expressed confidence in the coalition’s potential to effect change, suggesting that the opposition is already united and prepared to challenge the Tinubu administration in the upcoming elections.
