Abubakar Malami Criticizes APC Leaders for Endorsing Tinubu’s 2027 Bid Amid National Challenges

 

Former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, has launched a strong critique against key leaders within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Malami condemned their apparent prioritization of political endorsements for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign instead of tackling Nigeria’s urgent national problems like insecurity, economic hardship, and poverty.

Speaking during a high-profile consultative meeting organized by the National Political Consultative Group (North) held in Abuja, Malami’s remarks spotlighted what he described as a deeply misplaced focus by the APC leadership. He emphasized that while Nigerians grapple with worsening security issues and a struggling economy, the ruling party appears distracted by internal political calculations.

“Just a few days ago, the ruling party held its national summit and instead of addressing the serious issues of insecurity, economic hardship and rising poverty, it chose to focus on politics, endorsing President Bola Tinubu as sole candidate for the 2027 election that is still two years away,” Malami told THISDAY.

Context of the Meeting and Political Landscape

The consultative meeting in Abuja was notable not only for Malami’s fiery speech but also for the attendance of prominent opposition figures, signaling a growing effort to build a coalition against President Tinubu ahead of the next general elections. Present at the event were former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Amaechi. This gathering reflects ongoing strategic discussions aimed at uniting the opposition to challenge the APC’s hold on power.

Malami’s political background as AGF from 2015 to 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari lends significant weight to his critique. His perspective comes from an insider who has witnessed APC’s governance and internal dynamics over many years.

The APC’s Priorities: Endorsement over National Crisis

Malami’s primary grievance is the APC’s decision to prioritize President Tinubu’s early endorsement for the 2027 election, despite the current severe economic and security problems afflicting the country—especially in northern Nigeria.

Since the APC’s national summit on May 22 in Abuja, where the Progressive Governors Forum officially endorsed Tinubu as the party’s sole candidate for the 2027 elections, concerns have grown within some party factions. Malami, along with members of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc inside APC, has voiced dissatisfaction over what they see as poor strategic judgment and internal disunity.

The APC’s focus on securing Tinubu’s nomination far ahead of time, rather than devising concrete solutions for rampant banditry, kidnappings, inflation, and widespread unemployment, suggests a disconnect from the realities on the ground.

A Call for Unity and Accountability from Northern Leaders

The communiqué issued at the conclusion of the meeting, signed by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, underscores the importance of political unity in northern Nigeria. The document stresses the need for the North to present a unified front in future elections to maximize its influence in national politics.

“Delegates resolved that the north must proceed with a united front in political choice going forward to ensure the region gets its maximum return in national political participation,” the communiqué stated.

Furthermore, the communiqué condemned what it described as the impunity of elected officials who act without consulting their constituents, especially regarding endorsements for re-election or other political positions. This unilateral decision-making process, it warned, undermines democratic accountability.

“Decried the impunity of elected leaders who run away with the people’s mandate by purporting to make decisions for their constituents without consultation, citing the recent developments in which elected governors and legislators are usurping the power of the people by endorsing other persons and themselves for re-election to political offices without reference to their constituents, advising that constituents should sanction such elected officials to serve as deterrent.”

This is a direct call for citizens in the North to hold their representatives accountable and reject any political maneuvers that exclude the voice of the electorate.

Economic Revitalization and Industrialization as a Priority

In addition to political reforms, the communiqué highlights the urgent need for regional economic development. It stresses industrialization and high productivity across all sectors as critical strategies to lift the North out of economic stagnation.

“Resolved that the region must prioritise and promote industrialisation and high productivity in all sectors in order to exit the present economic quagmire,” the communiqué reads.

Malami and other leaders at the meeting are advocating for economic self-reliance as a way to address the poverty and unemployment that fuel insecurity and social unrest.

Enforceable Political Agreements to Protect Northern Interests

The communiqué further insists that future political alliances should be grounded in enforceable agreements designed to safeguard the informed interests of the North, irrespective of the origins of the candidates.

“That, going forward, the north must premise its support for candidates at elections on enforceable agreement for the purpose of ensuring and protecting the informed interests of the region, irrespective of where the candidates come from.”

This approach aims to ensure that northern Nigeria’s political support is not given blindly but tied to clear commitments that benefit the region economically and socially.

What This Means for Nigeria’s 2027 Election and Beyond

Malami’s comments and the outcomes of the National Political Consultative Group (North) meeting come at a critical time in Nigeria’s political cycle. With the 2027 general elections still two years away, early political moves like the APC’s endorsement of Tinubu could shape the trajectory of the country’s governance. However, critics like Malami warn that focusing too early on electioneering risks neglecting the immediate and life-threatening challenges facing Nigerians today.

The opposition’s united front, as reflected in the consultative meeting, suggests a growing awareness that Nigeria needs comprehensive solutions beyond political endorsements and ambition. Security, economic revival, accountability, and regional unity must be prioritized if Nigeria is to progress.

Conclusion: The Need for Responsible Leadership and National Focus

Abubakar Malami’s rebuke of the APC’s political strategy highlights a vital debate in Nigeria’s democracy. Should political parties focus on early endorsements and power consolidation, or should they dedicate efforts to addressing critical national problems? Malami clearly advocates for the latter — urging political actors to put the country’s welfare first.

The message from the North is clear: Nigerian leaders must be accountable, inclusive, and focused on sustainable development to build a peaceful and prosperous nation. Only then can the country move forward with confidence into the future, starting with the 2027 elections.