Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal has ignited fresh political controversy by declaring that Mohammed Hayatu Deen, a presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress, possesses far greater competence and experience than the party’s chosen presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. Speaking candidly on Channels Television’s Politics Today program on Monday evening, Lawal drew sharp distinctions between the two political figures, suggesting their credentials place them in entirely different categories.
Lawal minced no words when asked directly about the comparative competence of the two politicians. According to the former SGF, Atiku and Hayatu Deen cannot even be mentioned in the same breath. “They are not on the same boat and not possibly talking of the same sea,” Lawal stated emphatically, highlighting what he views as a substantial gap in their qualifications. He pointed to Hayatu Deen’s extensive background in economic management, particularly his tenure as Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, as evidence of superior credentials that distinguish him from Atiku.
Both Atiku and Hayatu Deen recently participated in the ADC’s presidential primary election, a contest designed to determine the party’s standard bearer for the 2027 general election. Atiku ultimately emerged victorious, securing the highest number of votes to clinch the party’s nomination. Hayatu Deen finished in third position, trailing behind former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, who secured second place in the keenly contested primary. Despite the outcome, Lawal’s comments suggest lingering dissatisfaction with the primary results among certain party factions.
Hayatu Deen’s credentials in the private sector and economic policy circles have long been recognized within Nigerian business and political spheres. His leadership of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, the premier private sector think tank focused on economic policy in the country, provided him with extensive experience in economic management and reform advocacy. Such background positions him as a technocrat with deep understanding of Nigeria’s economic challenges, a profile that appeals to voters seeking competence over political experience.
Atiku Abubakar, by contrast, brings decades of political experience to the table, having served as Vice President of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007 and contested the presidency multiple times. His supporters argue that his extensive government experience, business acumen, and deep political networks make him uniquely positioned to navigate Nigeria’s complex political landscape. However, critics like Lawal appear unconvinced that political longevity alone constitutes adequate preparation for the nation’s highest office.
Lawal’s stark assessment raises questions about party unity within the ADC as it prepares for what promises to be a fiercely competitive 2027 election cycle. With prominent voices within the party openly questioning the competence of its chosen candidate, the ADC faces the challenge of consolidating support and presenting a united front to Nigerian voters. Whether such internal dissent will undermine Atiku’s campaign or fade as the election approaches remains to be seen, but the coming months will prove critical for the party’s ability to mount a credible challenge to the ruling party and other opposition forces in the battle for Nigeria’s presidency.
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