Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has sharply criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the ruling party of abandoning governance in favour of early political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Malami faulted the party for what he described as insensitivity to the worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and rising poverty across the country, while prematurely endorsing President Bola Tinubu for a second term nearly two years before the next election.
He argued that rather than focusing on stabilising the economy, tackling violent attacks, and easing the suffering of ordinary Nigerians, the APC leadership had shifted its attention to internal politics and power consolidation. According to him, the early endorsement of Tinubu reflects a misplaced priority at a time when citizens are grappling with inflation, unemployment, and persistent security threats.
Malami made the remarks earlier in March in Abuja during a meeting of the National Political Consultative Group (North), a forum that brought together prominent political figures from across party lines. Among those in attendance were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Minister of Transportation and former Rivers State governor, Chibuike Amaechi.
At the meeting, Malami reportedly warned that governance had been sidelined, with political calculations taking precedence over the urgent task of addressing national challenges. He maintained that the ruling party’s focus on 2027 politics, while insecurity continues to spread and living conditions deteriorate, sends the wrong message to Nigerians.
He further suggested that President Tinubu’s administration had failed to demonstrate sufficient urgency in responding to economic distress and security concerns, reinforcing the perception that governance had been overshadowed by political ambition.
Malami’s comments have added to growing criticism from opposition figures and disaffected members within the political class, many of whom argue that the federal government must urgently refocus on policy execution, national stability, and economic recovery rather than early campaign positioning.
The APC has yet to formally respond to Malami’s remarks at the time of reporting.
