Babachir Lawal: Tinubu Will Win 2027 by ‘Out-Rigging’ Opponents

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has claimed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would be difficult to defeat in the 2027 presidential election if electoral manipulation determines the outcome.

Speaking on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television on Monday, Lawal said Tinubu would secure a landslide victory by “out-rigging” all other contenders.

“If the parameter for winning the election in Nigeria is rigging, nobody can face Bola Tinubu in this,” he said.

Lawal also took aim at Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), arguing that if Atiku’s political strength lies in manipulating election results, he would be confronting “the master rigger.”

“If Atiku’s strength is in manipulating results, I wish him luck. He will meet the master rigger in the front,” Lawal stated.

The former SGF further stirred controversy by referring to Atiku as “Kachalla,” a title he claimed is used by some Fulani communities for local leaders. He dismissed suggestions that the term implied a comparison with bandit leaders but linked it to Atiku’s Fulani background.

Lawal also questioned Atiku’s stance on insecurity, asking whether the former vice president had sufficiently condemned kidnappings and killings across the country.

His remarks come amid growing political realignments and early campaigning ahead of the 2027 general elections.