Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Babachir Lawal has resigned his membership of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

This was contained in a statement he personally signed.

He tendered his resignation through the chairman of the the party in Bangshika Ward, Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa state.

He said he would make public his current political affiliation in due course.

“I write to formally notify you of my resignation from the the All Progressives Congress, APC.

“In due course, I will make public my current political affiliation, where I plan to join compatriots to work towards making Nigeria a better living place for all citizens. This resignation takes immediate effect.

“Please remain blessed and extend my warm regards to members of your party,” he said.

OSUNDAILY NG reports that Babachir Lawal was the SGF under former president Muhammadu Buhari in his first term.

Presidential hopeful Peter Obi has stated that the office of the Nigerian president is a responsibility that demands compassion and sacrifice, not detachment or extravagance.

Speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Obi criticised the current administration of President Bola Tinubu, accusing it of lacking empathy towards the suffering of ordinary Nigerians.

“If I become president, I will use resources effectively. I cannot say, ‘buy a new jet’,” Obi said, condemning the allocation of public funds to luxury items while essential services remain underfunded.

“I don’t need one because I can go anywhere without a jet. I will not use N150 billion to buy a jet when 80 per cent of primary healthcare centres are not functioning.”

Reflecting on his time as governor of Anambra State, Obi said he lived modestly and led by example.

“I was a governor, and for my first four years, I drove 406. For the rest of it, I didn’t drive bulletproof cars. Nobody will try to kill you if you do the right thing. It is when you do the wrong thing that you fear death.

“If your people are dying, you should be ready to die. The president should also be ready to die,” he said.

Former Real Madrid forward, Antonio Cassano, has called on Napoli to sign Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman.

Cassano believes the Nigeria international would be a “sensational” addition to Antonio Conte’s side, as Napoli seek a replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who joined Paris Saint-Germain a few months ago.

Speaking on Twitch with Viva El Futbol, via Tifo Juventus, Cassano said: “I would go and get Lookman, it would be a sensational purchase.

“He runs, scores, makes assists, and is trained by a great player like Gian Piero Gasperini.”

Lookman’s contract with Atalanta runs until June 2027.

The reigning African Footballer of the Year has been linked with a move to both Napoli and Arsenal this summer.