The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is a strong political force capable of unseating the All Progressives Congress (APC) and rescuing Nigeria, according to former Attorney General and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami. In a statement issued by his media aide, Bello Doka, Malami described the ADC as a formidable coalition built on broad-based support and committed to fair governance. He made the remarks during an emotional homecoming event in Kebbi State, where he was met by large crowds following what he described as prolonged political persecution by the APC-led federal government.
Malami affirmed his unwavering loyalty to the ADC and its leadership in Kebbi State, stating that he would rely on the party's structure to win the governorship. He framed his return as a symbolic moment in the fight for truth and justice, declaring, "My homecoming is not ordinary but a clear message of an uncompromising quest for truth and rescue." He expressed confidence in the people's mandate, saying Nigerians believe in the possibility of change and that the country is not beyond redemption. "We believe in our country; we have confidence in our massive support," he said, using the slogan "Babu Kudu Babu Ja Baya" to emphasize resolve.
Malami thanked various support groups and political allies in Kebbi for standing by him during his absence. He reiterated his commitment to pursuing political change through democratic means, particularly the ballot box. His next steps include deepening grassroots engagement ahead of the next general elections.
Malami's pivot to the ADC is less about ideology and more about survival and reinvention. Once a key figure in the APC government, his denunciation of the party he helped build exposes fractures within Nigeria's ruling elite. His claim of political persecution, paired with his emotional return to Kebbi, frames his narrative not as a policy shift but as a personal reckoning — one that leverages victimhood to rally support.
This reflects a broader trend in Nigerian politics: the constant realignment of power brokers around vehicles that offer electoral viability, regardless of programmatic consistency. The ADC, often marginal in national elections, gains momentary significance not through grassroots growth but through the defection of high-profile figures seeking political shelter. Malami's endorsement elevates the party's profile, but it also underscores how personality often trumps policy in Nigeria's democracy.
For other developing nations, this episode illustrates how political platforms can be repurposed quickly by disgruntled elites, often without transforming the underlying governance challenges. It is not the strength of the coalition that makes it formidable, but the desperation of its champions. The real test will be whether the ADC can institutionalize support beyond individual ambition.
Watch for how other APC figures under pressure respond — Malami's move could signal the beginning of a wider exodus.
