07/06/2026
Atiku Abubakar Knocks Babachir Lawal Over Ethnic Profiling, Calls Him “Tribal Bigot”
Abuja, June 7, 2026 — Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized ex-SGF Babachir Lawal over alleged ethnic profiling, describing him as a “tribal bigot” whose comments threaten national unity.
Atiku’s reaction came Friday after Babachir made remarks that many interpreted as targeting specific ethnic groups in the ongoing debate on insecurity and political appointments. The former SGF has been vocal in criticizing the Tinubu administration’s policies in recent months.
In a statement by his media office, Atiku said Nigeria’s challenges cannot be solved through division and ethnic stereotyping.
“Rather than offer solutions, Babachir Lawal has chosen the path of ethnic profiling and incitement,” Atiku said. “His recent comments expose him as a tribal bigot who sees everything through the narrow lens of ethnicity. Nigeria deserves better.”
The 2023 PDP presidential candidate urged political leaders to avoid rhetoric that pits Nigerians against each other, especially at a time of economic hardship and security concerns. He said leaders must be held to a higher standard of speech.
Babachir Lawal, who served as Secretary to the Government of the Federation under former President Muhammadu Buhari, has not responded to Atiku’s remarks as of press time.
The exchange adds to the growing war of words between opposition figures and former APC chieftains over governance, appointments, and regional representation. Political analysts note the clash highlights deepening fault lines ahead of 2027.
Several civil society groups also condemned ethnic profiling by public figures, calling for issue-based debates instead of identity politics.
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