Malami Dumps APC, Joins ADC Amid Criticism of Governance Failures
Abubakar Malami, SAN, former Attorney‑General and Minister of Justice (2015–2023), has formally left the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC), aligning himself with a broader opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Defection
On July 2, 2025, Malami announced his departure from the APC in a statement titled “To the Good People of Kebbi and Fellow Nigerians,” explaining his decision followed “wide consultations and deep personal reflection,” and was driven not by ambition or grievance but by “love for our nation and concern for the hardship our people are facing daily”.
Reasoning Behind His Exit
Malami leveled strong criticisms against the APC, citing:
- Worsening insecurity: Kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism, especially in northern states, have become endemic.
- Economic hardship: Inflation and soaring food prices have rendered basic staples unaffordable. He noted: “Prices of basic food items have tripled. The poor can no longer feed their families. Jobs are disappearing. Young people are hopeless.”.
- Decline of meritocracy in governance: Malami accused the APC of sidelining competence and national interest in favor of political loyalty in appointments and policymaking.
ADC and the Opposition Coalition
Expressing his preference for ADC, Malami described it as the “party of choice for our coalition” — a group including figures like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, David Mark, and Rauf Aregbesola — serving as “a platform built on the values of justice, inclusion, competence, and national renewal”.
He conveyed optimism that, with popular support, the coalition could “chart a new course for our beloved country”.
APC’s Response & Previous Tensions
This defection follows earlier public rebukes from Malami during the National Political Consultative Group (North) meeting in Abuja, where he criticized the APC for endorsing President Tinubu’s 2027 candidacy while ignoring persistent insecurity, inflation, border mismanagement, and socioeconomic decay.
APC officials have attempted to downplay the move, with Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa emphasizing in May 2025 that neither Buhari nor Malami were planning to leave the party. But Malami’s exit confirms otherwise.
What Malami Said
“Nigeria is bleeding. Insecurity has taken over our homes… Prices of basic food items have tripled… Governance has been abandoned… I cannot remain part of a system that watches in silence as Nigerians suffer and die.”
— Abubakar Malami, on defecting to ADC
Implications & Looking Ahead
Malami’s defection highlights growing realignment across Nigeria’s political landscape. The coalition framed around ADC now includes notable figures from PDP, Labour, SDP, and former CPC bloc members, signaling a consolidated front for 2027.
This development could embolden other disenchanted APC members, especially from northern and CPC-aligned blocs. With Malami’s public stance, the coalition now has a prominent legal and political strategist in its ranks — potentially shaping its trajectory ahead of the next general elections.
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