Wike Says Babachir Lawal Was Bitter After Losing Vice President Slot To Shettima
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has revealed that former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, was deeply upset after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu selected Kashim Shettima as his running mate in 2022. According to Wike, Lawal had believed he would be chosen for the position and felt disappointed when the announcement went in another direction.
Speaking during an interview on Tuesday, Wike said that shortly after the announcement was made, Babachir Lawal personally visited him in Port Harcourt to express his frustration. He noted that Lawal appeared very angry and found it difficult to accept the decision.
Wike explained that Lawal has lately been criticising the Tinubu administration. He added that many people may not understand the real reason behind Lawal’s negative comments, which he believes are fueled by personal disappointment rather than honest concern.
He noted that since losing out on the role of Vice President, Lawal has continued to express bitterness against the current government. The FCT minister said Lawal’s recent public statements should be viewed from this background and not taken as fair criticism.
According to Wike, Lawal expected to be rewarded for his loyalty and past service but has instead spent the past months openly attacking the administration. Wike pointed out that this behaviour started immediately after the announcement of the vice presidential candidate and has only become louder over time.
Babachir Lawal, who served as Secretary to the Government of the Federation under President Muhammadu Buhari, has been very vocal in recent weeks about his disapproval of President Tinubu’s leadership style. However, Wike urged Nigerians to see his comments as the reaction of someone who believes he was sidelined politically.
Why does Wike believe Babachir Lawal is angry? He believes it is because Lawal feels left out after losing the chance to become Vice President and has not recovered from that disappointment.
