Malami Slams APC Over Tinubu Endorsement, Urges Northern Unity Amid Economic Woes
Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has issued a scathing rebuke of the All Progressives Congress (APC), criticizing its leadership for prioritising early endorsements of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election over addressing Nigeria’s mounting challenges.
Speaking on Sunday at a high-level political consultative meeting hosted by the National Political Consultative Group (North) in Abuja, Malami condemned what he described as misplaced priorities by the ruling party amid worsening insecurity and economic hardship, particularly in northern Nigeria.
The gathering, which brought together prominent opposition figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi, marked a strategic move by opposition leaders to explore coalition options against Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
In his keynote address, Malami accused the APC of neglecting the country’s pressing issues, pointing to the party’s recent national summit held on May 22 in Abuja, where the Progressive Governors Forum formally endorsed Tinubu as the party’s sole candidate for the 2027 election.
“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 for a second term that is still two years away,” Malami stated.
The former AGF, who served under President Muhammadu Buhari from 2015 to 2023, has become increasingly vocal about what he and other disenchanted members of the CPC bloc within the APC see as the party’s deviation from its founding principles.
A communiqué released after the consultative meeting—signed by Babachir Lawal, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation—called for northern unity and strategic recalibration. It emphasised the need for the region to consolidate its political influence and demand accountability from elected leaders.
The formation of a unified northern political front to negotiate power and development dividends. The establishment of a new political platform to champion northern interests. A call for constituents to hold elected officials accountable, particularly those endorsing candidates without grassroots consultation. An urgent need to industrialise the north and boost productivity to combat economic stagnation. A commitment to condition future electoral support on enforceable agreements that protect northern interests, regardless of a candidate’s regional origin.
