Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) for prioritising President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid over addressing Nigeria’s pressing economic and security challenges.
Speaking at a consultative meeting of the National Political Consultative Group (North) in Abuja, Malami described the APC’s recent national summit as politically tone-deaf, accusing the party of ignoring urgent national concerns.
“Instead of tackling insecurity, poverty, and economic hardship, the party chose to endorse President Tinubu for a second term—two years before the election,” Malami said, as reported by THISDAY.
The meeting, attended by opposition figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and ex-Rivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi, was part of ongoing efforts to build a coalition against Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.
Malami, who served as AGF from 2015 to 2023, particularly condemned the APC’s neglect of northern Nigeria, urging political stakeholders to unite in efforts to “reclaim” the country and restore peace and prosperity.
His remarks followed the APC national summit on May 22, where the Progressive Governors Forum endorsed Tinubu as the party’s sole candidate for 2027. The move has drawn backlash from various quarters within the party, particularly the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc, which includes Malami.
A communiqué issued after Sunday’s meeting, signed by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, called for a unified political stance in the North and warned against the unchecked power of elected officials.
It criticised the “impunity” of leaders who make re-election endorsements without consulting their constituents and urged voters to hold such officials accountable.
The communiqué also urged the North to prioritise industrialisation and productivity, stressing that future political alliances must be based on enforceable agreements to safeguard the region’s interests.
“Support for any candidate must be tied to binding commitments that reflect the North’s informed interests—regardless of the candidate’s origin,” the statement added.