APC should be addressing economic hardship, not endorsing Tinubu – Malami
By Jeffrey Agbo
Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has criticised the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for endorsing President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid while failing to address the country’s deepening economic challenges.
Speaking at a meeting organised by the National Political Consultative Group (North) in Abuja on May 25, Malami condemned the ruling party’s recent actions, describing them as a distraction from the pressing issues facing Nigerians, particularly in the northern region.
The event was part of ongoing consultations among opposition leaders exploring the formation of a coalition against President Tinubu. Among those in attendance were former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar; Peter Obi, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate; and former Rivers State governor Chibuike Amaechi.
Delivering the keynote address, Malami said that President Tinubu’s policies were negatively impacting northern Nigeria and accused the APC of prioritising politics over governance.
“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 sole candidate for the 2027 election that is still two years away,” Malami said, as quoted by ThisDay.
The former AGF urged stakeholders to unite in a bid to “reclaim” the nation and work toward building a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
On May 22, the APC held a national summit in Abuja, attended by party stakeholders, including President Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima. At the event, the Progressive Governors Forum formally endorsed Tinubu as the party’s sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
Malami was Attorney-General under the APC-led administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2015 to 2023.
A communiqué released after Sunday’s meeting and signed by Babachir Lawal, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), stated that delegates agreed on the need for northern Nigeria to present a united political front in future elections. The group also resolved to establish a dedicated political platform to advance the region’s interests.
