Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has blamed former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for his removal from office, while also defending his recent criticism of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Lawal, who recently announced his resignation from the ADC, accused the party of abandoning internal democracy and alleged that its presidential and other primaries were manipulated to favour Atiku and his allies.

He said he could no longer remain in a party that, in his view, had become a vehicle for securing Atiku’s presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a series of social media posts, the former SGF also revisited the controversy surrounding his exit from government, insisting he was not guilty of corruption and describing the narrative of indictment against him as false.

Lawal alleged that his removal as SGF was politically motivated and orchestrated through pressure exerted on former President Muhammadu Buhari, claiming that then Vice President Yemi Osinbajo played a key role in the process.

According to him, earlier attempts to remove him were rejected by the presidency on the advice of the Attorney General, but he was eventually removed after further investigations were authorised.

He further argued that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) did not establish any wrongdoing against him during trial proceedings, stating that he was discharged following a no-case submission.

Lawal maintained that no public funds were lost in the matter and insisted that the contract linked to the controversy was properly executed.

He also defended his remarks about Atiku Abubakar, saying he had the right to question the character and competence of any presidential aspirant.

Lawal added that he would not be silenced by criticism from supporters of the former Vice President, insisting he meant well for the country.