Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is increasingly uneasy over the growing influence of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Lawal, who is also the ADC National Deputy Chairman, made the remarks during an appearance on Inside Sources on Channels Television on Sunday. He said recent comments by the president indicate concern about the opposition coalition’s expanding reach.

He stated that the ADC-led coalition is focused on addressing what it described as worsening insecurity and economic hardship under the current administration.

According to him, many Nigerians are struggling with rising living costs, limited access to basic needs, and persistent security threats.

Lawal painted a grim picture of the country’s situation, citing widespread insecurity, including attacks by armed groups and kidnappers, as well as economic difficulties affecting workers’ ability to meet daily expenses such as transportation, school fees, and medical bills.

He said the coalition believes urgent action is needed to improve governance and restore stability, adding that Nigerians are “in danger” due to what he characterised as failures in security and economic management.

The former SGF also criticised President Tinubu’s recent public remarks about electoral prospects, arguing that such statements suggest a misunderstanding of democratic principles. He further alleged that some governors within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are not fully loyal to the president.

Lawal additionally accused the president of being directly involved in efforts to weaken opposition voices, a claim he said became clearer following Tinubu’s recent comments.

The ADC has in recent months positioned itself as a significant opposition platform, attracting high-profile political figures.

Among those who attended its national convention on April 14 were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, and former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, highlighting the party’s growing ambitions ahead of the next election cycle.

Responding to criticism from ADC leaders, President Tinubu told members of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors on April 16 that he would not be intimidated. He also dismissed the ADC gathering as a “street convention” and accused the coalition of attempting to take control of the party.