Tinubu Did Not Win 2023 Election – Former SGF Babachir Lawal Alleges
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal, has stirred a fresh political storm by declaring that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not legitimately win the 2023 Nigerian presidential election.
Speaking during an exclusive interview with Channels Television on Monday, August 11, 2025, Lawal asserted that, based on the facts available to him, the election result announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) does not reflect the will of the Nigerian people. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
“I believe he didn’t win the election,” Lawal said emphatically.
From Friendship to Political Fallout
Babachir Lawal, a former close ally of Tinubu and a key political figure during the 2015 and 2019 general elections, disclosed that their once-strong friendship has collapsed. According to him, President Tinubu has become “too full of himself” and wrongly believes that Lawal is the one who wronged him.
“The problem with Bola Tinubu is that he thinks I’m the one that offended him. I didn’t offend him — he offended me. He is full of himself and thinks that because he’s now the so-called president, everyone must bow to him,” Lawal stated.
The former SGF did not provide detailed evidence during the interview but insisted his claim was based on credible information he had gathered.
A Controversial Election
The 2023 presidential election remains one of the most hotly contested in Nigeria’s democratic history. Tinubu, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), was declared winner by INEC with over 8.7 million votes, defeating his closest rivals, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP).
However, both opposition candidates rejected the results, citing alleged irregularities, voter suppression, and manipulation of results. The matter was taken to the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal and later the Supreme Court, which upheld Tinubu’s victory.
Despite the legal affirmation, many Nigerians, especially supporters of the opposition, have continued to express doubts about the credibility of the process.
Why Babachir’s Statement Matters
Babachir Lawal’s public disagreement carries weight due to his political history and influence. As a former SGF and a prominent northern Christian politician, Lawal was a strong APC insider before falling out with the party’s leadership. His open criticism of Tinubu adds to the growing list of political heavyweights questioning the legitimacy of the 2023 polls.
Political analysts believe his remarks may influence public discourse, particularly as Nigeria heads toward the 2027 general elections. His statement also reflects ongoing divisions within the APC, where factions remain unsettled over the direction of Tinubu’s government.
Tinubu’s Position
President Tinubu has consistently maintained that he won the election fairly and is focused on delivering his “Renewed Hope Agenda.” His administration has prioritized economic reforms, infrastructure projects, and foreign investment drives.
For now, the presidency has not officially responded to Babachir Lawal’s latest claims, but political observers expect reactions from APC stalwarts in the coming days.
What Lies Ahead
With Nigeria still grappling with economic hardship, insecurity, and political discontent, such bold statements from influential political figures could deepen polarization. Whether Babachir Lawal’s comments will trigger new calls for electoral reforms or simply become another flashpoint in Nigeria’s heated political climate remains to be seen.