BREAKING: After Peter Obi and Kwankwaso Left, We Knew He Would Be Next — Onochie Fires Back At Babachir Lawal

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Former presidential aide Lauretta Onochie has reacted to the resignation of Engr. Babachir David Lawal from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing his departure from the party as unsurprising to those familiar with his political history.

In a post published on her official Facebook page on Monday, June 1, 2026, Onochie said Lawal’s resignation had long been anticipated by political observers who had closely followed his activities within the party and the broader political landscape.

According to Onochie, Lawal had maintained a longstanding political relationship with President Bola Tinubu before political differences emerged during the period when Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar shared common political interests within the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

She argued that tensions developed during that period due to Atiku’s growing political influence and national appeal. Onochie further alleged that Lawal’s opposition to Atiku continued even after the former vice president and Tinubu parted political ways.

The former presidential aide claimed that several political developments in recent years, particularly those surrounding the 2023 elections and the rise of Labour Party candidate Peter Obi, could not be fully understood without considering the actions of individuals who sought to challenge Atiku’s political standing.

She wrote; “The resignation of Engr. B.D. Lawal from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) should not come as a surprise to those who have closely followed his political trajectory. After Obi and Kwankwaso left, we knew he would be next.”

Commenting on the ADC’s preparations for its 2026 presidential primaries, Onochie said attempts were allegedly made to create divisions within the party, particularly concerning the candidacy of Atiku Abubakar. She, however, maintained that those efforts failed because party members had largely rallied behind the former vice president.

Reflecting on Lawal’s resignation, she noted that reactions had been divided. While some people questioned his decision to leave the party, she said others who were familiar with internal developments viewed the move differently.

“Today, with B.D. Lawal’s departure from the ADC, reactions have been mixed. Those unfamiliar with the internal dynamics of the party may wonder why he chose to leave. Those who have witnessed the recurring tensions and divisions associated with his political activities see his exit differently. Delight!” she wrote.

Onochie further accused Lawal of attempting to create divisions within the party in Adamawa State. “For someone who tried unsuccessfully to divide ADC in Adamawa using religion as the only criterium to nominate a gubernatorial candidate, to now try to label our candidate as a religious bigot, is disgusting,” she stated.

Reaffirming her support for the ADC and its presidential candidate, Onochie said the party remained open to all Nigerians who shared its values and objectives.

“ADC remains a party that welcomes ALL Nigerians who are committed to its ideals, values, and mission. However, unity, discipline, and loyalty to the collective vision of the party must always take precedence over personal rivalries and individual ambitions,” she said.

She added that the party’s attention should remain focused on its objectives ahead of the 2027 general election rather than on members who have departed.

“As the party moves forward, our focus should not be on those who have left, but on the millions of Nigerians who look to ADC as the vehicle for national renewal and responsible leadership in 2027, under the #Unifier, HE Atiku Abubakar,” Onochie wrote.

She concluded by insisting that the party’s mission remained intact despite internal challenges: “ADC is bigger than any individual. There are still a few more destabilising individuals within the ADC. Our eyes are on the ball, but we know them. We are watching them.“