Ex-SGF reveals Northern plot to remove him over Buhari closeness

Former SGF Babachir Lawal claims Northerners plotted his removal from office due to his close relationship with President Buhari. In a Saturday Facebook post, Lawal alleged his relationship with Buhari made people fear he was being groomed for higher positions. According to Lawal, the 'contract' to remove him was awarded to Northern Senators who subcontracted to legislative hatchet men, who then recruited sympathizers in the executive branch and press. The plot failed as Buhari refused to listen to their delegation. Lawal suggested the removal was partly due to him being from the 'small tribe of Kilba and a Christian.' He revealed the main contractor later apologized, and he forgave them. Lawal was removed as SGF during Buhari's first tenure.

This revelation exposes ethnic and religious considerations in Nigeria's political appointments. Does the SGF role still carry such influence today, or has Nigeria's political machinery evolved beyond these dynamics?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/06/07/how-northerners-plotted-my-removal-as-sgf-babachir-lawal/