Abuja: The Democratic Front (TDF) has criticized the position of the immediate past Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, on the endorsement of President Bola Tinubu, labeling it as hypocritical and deceptive. In a statement signed by its Chairman, Malam Danjuma Muhammad, and Secretary, Chief Wale Adedayo, the group highlighted Malami’s failure to express similar sentiments when former President Muhammadu Buhari received an endorsement in 2017.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, the group expressed surprise over Malami’s condemnation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s endorsement for re-election in 2027. TDF pointed out the contradiction in Malami’s stance, recalling how multiple APC stakeholders endorsed Buhari for a second term in a similar manner in 2017. The group suggested that Malami’s criticism was driven by sentiment and bitterness, noting that he actively contributed to the political and legal precedence he now opposes.

TDF als
o referenced the Electoral Act in addressing the legitimacy of Tinubu’s endorsement. The group explained that the APC’s decision to endorse Tinubu through a consensus of all party stakeholders was legally supported by the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended). They emphasized that Section 84 (2) of the act allows for the nomination of candidates by direct, indirect primaries, or consensus, and highlighted Malami’s role in advising former President Buhari to assent to the amendment of the electoral act which included the consensus system.

Furthermore, TDF criticized Malami’s comments on the state of the nation, reminding him that his principal, former President Buhari, sought a second term despite challenges such as insurgency and economic recession. They argued that Malami’s suggestion of the Tinubu administration’s abdication of responsibility for focusing on re-election rather than governance was unfounded. TDF cited evidence of macroeconomic improvements and fiscal reforms since 2023 as indicators of effective
governance under Tinubu’s administration.

The group condemned Malami’s past acceptance of staggered APC primaries conducted before the electoral timetable release by INEC in 2018, despite the economic struggles and security threats at that time. They compared this to the current stable economic environment and relatively calm security situation under Tinubu’s leadership. TDF suggested that Malami’s discontent might stem from being excluded from APC’s current power dynamics.

TDF concluded by urging Nigerians to dismiss Malami’s views as self-serving and politically motivated, claiming that his opposition is driven by personal interests rather than genuine concerns for the nation’s governance.