Malami, Amaechi, Defect to ADC Amid Formation of Mega Opposition Bloc
Abubakar Malami, the former Attorney-General, and Rotimi Amaechi, former Transportatio, both of whom served throughout Muhammadu Buhari’s presidency, have dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), aligning themselves with the newly formed opposition coalition unveiled today, July 2.
In a statement titled “To the Good People of Kebbi and Fellow Nigerians,” released on Wednesday, Malami said his decision followed “wide consultations and deep personal reflection.”
He warned;
“Nigeria is bleeding. Insecurity has taken over our homes, especially in the North. Banditry, kidnappings, and terrorism have become part of our lives while the government prioritises politics over the safety of its citizens.”
Malami also decried the worsening economy and rising unemployment, declaring;
“Our economy is in shambles. Prices of basic food items have tripled. The poor can no longer feed their families. Jobs are disappearing. Young people are hopeless.” He accused the administration he once served of sidelining merit, saying, “Governance has been abandoned. Appointments, projects, and policies are now guided by political loyalty and not national interest.”
For Amaechi, his decision to decamp from APC is not about changing the government but about changing Nigeria.
“Nigeria is completely destroyed. People can’t eat. People can’t buy food. There’s no money to buy food. Everything is gone. Inflation is at its peak. And the federal government is busy going around trying to hijack the election. INEC is helping them hijack the election.”
Their defection comes just hours after former Senate President David Mark, who resigned from PDP, was appointed interim national chairman of the ADC, and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola was named interim national secretary. The unveiling, which took place at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, brought together several top opposition figures.
Among those in attendance were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; Labour Party’s Peter Obi, who submitted a one-term presidency proposal; former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai; former Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi; Senator Dino Melaye; ex-Minister of Youth and Sports Solomon Dalung; PDP chieftain and publisher Dele Momodu; Senators Gabriel Suswam and Ireti Kingibe of the Labour Party; and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha.
Addressing his constituents in Kebbi State, the Malami added;
“To the people of Kebbi State, I remain your son and servant. I will never abandon you.” He urged Nigerians to “rise above fear and reclaim our nation,” describing the coalition as a platform for “justice, inclusion, competence, and national renewal.”
