Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, (SGF), Babachir Lawal has disclosed his intention to quit politics in 2023 when the tenure of President Muhammdu Buhari ends.
Lawal stated this while reacting to speculation that he has dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the controversial Muslim-Muslim Presidency in 2023. The speculation was a result of his visit to the Presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar.
In response, Lawal said he would rather quit active politics on May 29, 2023, when Buhari would have completed his second term in office.
Lawal, in a statement made available on Wednesday, clarified that his visit to Atiku was to condole him on the death of his Personal Assistant and not to defect to the PDP.
The former SGF’s statement read in part “It has just been brought to my notice that I have defected to the PDP. This is not true. This is fake news.
“Just like other politicians including some in the APC, I visited VP Atiku yesterday to condole him over the death of his PA and I noticed some people took my pictures. I suspect this fake news must have originated from this episode.
“Despite our being in separate political parties, Atiku and I are like brothers and I am always warmly received in his home.
“I am still a member of the APC and have no plans to leave it for any other party. In fact, I am considering leaving party politics altogether so as to remain an elder statesman.
“I had joined politics just because of President Muhammadu Buhari and will therefore have no further motivation to remain so after 29th May, 2023.
“I find the pleasure and comfort of my farms more attractive and rewarding.”