Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal, has endorsed the Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Prince Adewole Adebayo, describing him as the most qualified aspirant for the 2027 presidential race.

Lawal, a former chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said Adebayo possesses the qualities required to lead the country, citing his understanding of the economy and the challenges confronting Nigerians.

Speaking in an interview, the former SGF said he would readily support Adebayo if given the opportunity to choose among those seeking the presidency.

“If I had my way, that boy, Adewole Adebayo of the SDP, he is the only number one. I would give him 100 per cent,” Lawal said.

“Have you listened to him on television, on the basis of his speech, the way he talks? He will make an excellent president.”

Lawal said Adebayo’s age, communication skills and grasp of socio-economic issues distinguished him from other contenders.

“He’s youthful, he understands the economy, he understands what the society is going through,” he said.

The former SGF, however, expressed hope that Adebayo would remain humble if elected president.

“I hope he’s humbled. I wouldn’t know that, but I hope he’s not just a typical Yoruba man like my friend. But Adebayo will make a good president,” he added.

Lawal served as SGF under former President Muhammadu Buhari between 2015 and 2017. In recent years, he has been involved in opposition coalition politics and was associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following his exit from the APC.