Ex-SGF Lawal explains ‘Kachalla’ remark, accuses Atiku of ignoring northern killings

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has defended his controversial description of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as “Kachalla,” insisting that the term is a common title used in some Fulani communities and among armed groups to refer to local leaders.

Lawal made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, shortly after announcing his resignation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The former SGF explained that his use of the title was not intended as an insult but reflected a designation commonly used by people in remote communities and among bandit groups.

He specifically referenced notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, stating that individuals in such circles often use the title “Kachalla” when addressing their leaders.

According to Lawal, Atiku, being a Fulani man, should not regard the description as unusual.

“I called him ‘Kachalla’ because that’s the title people like Bello Turji call their local leaders. That’s the title their people in the bush use. Is he not a Fulani?” Lawal said.

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Beyond the controversy surrounding the remark, Lawal launched a broader attack on Atiku’s political record, accusing the former vice president of failing to publicly condemn acts of violence, kidnapping and mass killings occurring across parts of Nigeria, particularly in northern states.

The former SGF alleged that Atiku had remained largely silent on recent attacks that resulted in significant loss of life, including incidents in Adamawa State, where the former vice president hails from.

Lawal questioned why Atiku had not publicly spoken out against such attacks or visited affected communities to sympathise with victims and their families.

“Have you ever heard Atiku condemn any of these kidnappings? Have you ever heard him on record condemning all these massive killings?” he asked.

He further cited reports of attacks in Adamawa State, claiming that several villagers were recently killed without any public reaction from the former vice president.

“Even in Adamawa, they killed seventeen villagers recently. Has he ever condemned it? Because the victims are not his people, has he ever condemned it, for God’s sake?” Lawal queried.

The former SGF also revisited the 2022 killing of Deborah Samuel, a student who was lynched in Sokoto over allegations of blasphemy. Lawal claimed that Atiku initially condemned the incident through a public statement but later distanced himself from the message, attributing it to an aide who allegedly acted without authorization.

According to Lawal, a politician seeking the nation’s highest office should demonstrate moral leadership by openly condemning violence regardless of where it occurs or who the victims are.

“He wants to be the president and he cannot condemn the genocide that is going on right before him, in his own state,” Lawal said.

In another controversial claim, Lawal alleged that some Fulani groups were celebrating Atiku’s emergence as a presidential candidate because they believed it enhanced their chances of producing Nigeria’s next president.

“Fulanis are celebrating now that their brother has gotten a ticket, aren’t they? And they are beginning to celebrate that they will produce the president,” he said.

The comments are likely to intensify political tensions ahead of the next general election, particularly as opposition parties continue to reposition themselves and prominent political figures engage in a war of words over leadership, security and national unity.

Atiku has yet to publicly respond to Lawal’s latest remarks.