Malami Slams APC for Prioritising 2027 Re-Election Over National Challenge

Former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, has faulted the All Progressives Congress (APC) for focusing on President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid rather than addressing the country’s growing insecurity, economic hardship, and deepening poverty.

Malami made the remarks during a political consultative meeting convened by the National Political Consultative Group (North) on Sunday in Abuja.

The high-profile gathering included key opposition leaders such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi.

Speaking at the event, Malami criticized the recent APC National Policy Summit, held on May 22 in Abuja, describing it as a missed opportunity to address Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.

“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 the sole candidate for the 2027 election that is still two years away,” he said.

The endorsement of Tinubu by the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) during the summit has sparked discontent, both within and outside the party. Critics argue that such early declarations ignore the realities facing ordinary Nigerians.

Malami, who served as AGF from 2015 to 2023 under the Buhari administration, is among a growing chorus of disillusioned APC members from the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc, who say the party has strayed from its founding principles.

A communiqué issued at the end of Sunday’s meeting and signed by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, called for greater unity in the North and urged the establishment of a political platform dedicated to safeguarding the region’s interests.

The communiqué also condemned what it termed the “impunity” of elected officials who endorse themselves or others for future political positions without broad consultation.

“Such actions undermine democracy and should attract sanctions to prevent recurrence,” it stated.

The meeting signals deepening cracks within the APC and growing pressure from northern political leaders who say urgent national issues must take precedence over political scheming.