By David Odama
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal, has endorsed Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential hopeful Prince Adewole Adebayo, describing him as the most qualified contender for Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election and expressing confidence that he would make an outstanding president.
Speaking recently, Lawal, a prominent northern political figure and influential voice in Adamawa State, praised Adebayo’s leadership qualities and singled him out as his preferred choice among those seeking the nation’s highest office.
“If I had my way, that boy, Adewole Adebayo of the SDP — he is the only number one. I would give him 100 percent,” Lawal said. “Have you listened to him on television, on the basis of his speech, the way he talks? He will make an excellent president.”
The former SGF, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari between 2015 and 2017, said Adebayo’s understanding of the economy and the challenges facing ordinary Nigerians distinguishes him from other aspirants.
“He’s youthful, he understands the economy, he understands what the society is going through,” Lawal stated, arguing that the SDP candidate possesses the qualities needed to steer the country through its current economic and social difficulties.
While expressing strong support for Adebayo, Lawal also voiced hope that the SDP candidate would remain humble if elected president.
“I hope he’s humbled. I wouldn’t know that, but I hope he’s not just a typical Yoruba man like my friend,” he said, without identifying the individual he was referring to. “But Adebayo will make a good president.”
A Significant Political Endorsement
Lawal’s endorsement is notable given his political journey in recent years.
A former chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), he later aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) alongside former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other opposition figures seeking to build a coalition ahead of the 2027 elections. He has since distanced himself from the ADC leadership and is currently not affiliated with any political party.
Political observers believe his lack of party affiliation gives his endorsement added credibility, as it appears to be based on personal conviction rather than partisan interests.
Lawal also remains an influential figure in northern politics, particularly in Adamawa State, where he continues to command respect among political stakeholders.
For the SDP and the Adebayo campaign, Lawal’s public endorsement represents another sign of the candidate’s growing appeal beyond his traditional support base.
Adebayo, a lawyer and the SDP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has consistently projected himself as an advocate of economic reforms, good governance, and a departure from what he describes as Nigeria’s recycled political leadership.
Lawal’s comments suggest that Adebayo’s message is attracting attention across regional and political divides, particularly in parts of northern Nigeria that have traditionally supported the APC or the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Whether the endorsement translates into broader political support ahead of the 2027 election remains to be seen, but it is likely to strengthen the narrative that Adebayo is emerging as a candidate with growing national appeal.
