Abdoulaye Wade, former president of Senegal, turned 100 on 29 May 2026, becoming the first West African leader to reach that age. He first won the presidency in 2000 at age 74 after four attempts over 22 years and served for 12 years before losing re-election in 2012. His longevity has sparked reflections on political persistence in West Africa.
Atiku Abubakar, former Nigerian vice president, was declared presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) last week. His two rivals in the race, former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi and businessman Mohammed Hayatudeen, issued separate statements condemning the primary process, citing widespread malpractices.
Babachir Lawal, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, publicly dismissed Atiku's presidential ambitions in a scathing statement laced with personal insults. He suggested President Bola Tinubu should continue in office. In a later interview with Channels Television, Lawal expanded on his criticism of Atiku.
Lawal previously served under President Muhammadu Buhari, appointed SGF in 2015. During a 2015 meeting with northern journalists, he praised Tinubu and made comments on ethnic and religious identity, questioning why northern leaders would appoint a Christian like himself. He later joked at a gathering following Aminu Tambuwal's 2025 EFCC release, saying Tambuwal was freed quickly because he is a Fulani man, and remarked that Emeka Ihedioha, a Christian Igbo man, would face harsher treatment if arrested.
Lawal has since withdrawn from public view and is believed to be at his farm in Adamawa State. Atiku's media team has responded to Lawal's remarks. Atiku will turn 80 in November 2026.
Babachir Lawal, who once questioned northern leaders appointing a Christian like himself, now attacks Atiku while praising Tinubu, the same man he previously derided. His comments on Tambuwal's EFCC detention contrast sharply with his claim that northern minorities face harsher treatment. The same political platform that hosts such contradictions is now Atiku's chosen path to the presidency. His age and repeated defeats are no longer the main obstacles — the instability within his own party is.
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