Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and close ally of Atiku Abubakar, Babachir Lawal, has explained why he was absent during the former vice president’s formal registration with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Jada, Adamawa State.
Speaking in an interview with Punch from his Abuja residence, Lawal said Atiku changed the date of the ceremony without prior notice, making it impossible for him to attend.
He said, “Poor planning by the former vice president is responsible for my not attending the ceremony. We agreed on Sunday for the event, and I arrived in Yola for the ceremony, only for Atiku to shift the event to Monday.”
Lawal, who expressed displeasure over the sudden alteration, said Atiku’s decision disrupted his schedule.
“I have my personal things to handle, I have schedules for my activities, so you cannot just change the gear while the car is in motion and expect me to be part of such a programme,” he added.
The former SGF said he warned Atiku that political observers might misinterpret his absence, but the PDP presidential candidate-turned-ADC member dismissed his concerns.
“I told Atiku Abubakar that my absence at the ceremony would give different interpretations to many people concerning our new party, but he gave a deaf ear to my advice,” Lawal said.
He added by distancing himself from the rescheduled event, “Let them go ahead and do their thing with his people.”
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