Babachir Lawal Claims Political Plot Led to His Removal as SGF

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has alleged that his removal from office during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari was the result of a coordinated political plot involving some Northern politicians and legislators who were uncomfortable with his growing influence within the presidency.

Lawal made the claim in a Facebook post on Saturday night, where he recounted what he described as a sustained effort by political actors to undermine his position due to perceptions that he was close to former President Buhari and could be positioned for higher responsibilities.

According to him, certain influential figures allegedly “contracted” Northern senators to orchestrate his removal, who in turn reportedly delegated the task to unnamed legislative operatives and collaborators within the executive arm of government and the media.

He alleged that the campaign against him involved coordinated political messaging, pressure on key decision-makers, and attempts to influence public perception in order to justify his exit from office.

“They did all manners of things to make sure that I was removed. They felt that Buhari had no business appointing me because I was from the small tribe of Kilba and a Christian,” Lawal wrote.

He further claimed that despite efforts by a high-powered delegation to persuade Buhari to drop him, the former president initially resisted pressure before his eventual removal as SGF during his first term.

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Lawal also alleged that some of the individuals involved later expressed regret over their actions, adding that one of the principal actors apologised to him in the presence of mutual associates.

“The main contractor himself later apologized to me in the presence of three of our common friends,” he stated, adding that he had since forgiven those involved.

The former SGF did not provide documentary evidence to support his claims, and the individuals he accused were not named in the post.

Lawal was removed from office in 2017 following controversies surrounding his tenure, after which he was replaced as part of a broader administrative reshuffle in the presidency.

His latest remarks have renewed discussion on internal political tensions within the Buhari administration, particularly the power dynamics and rivalries that shaped key appointments and dismissals during the period.

As of press time, there has been no official response from individuals or groups mentioned in his allegations.

Lawal’s comments add to ongoing public debates about political inclusion, elite rivalry, and the influence of internal party dynamics in shaping leadership decisions within Nigeria’s federal executive structure.