Malami’s Shock Exit: Will Kebbi APC Survive the Political Earthquake?

By Mohammed Bello Doka, 

Abuja Network News

A political storm is brewing in Kebbi State, and at the center of it is former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN. Rumors of his imminent defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) have sent shockwaves through the political landscape, raising questions about the future of the APC in the state.

Malami: A Political Heavyweight in Kebbi

Abubakar Malami is not just another politician; he is a power broker, a legal luminary, and a figure whose influence extends beyond the courtroom into the heart of Nigeria’s political establishment. As a two-term Attorney General under President Muhammadu Buhari, Malami played a pivotal role in shaping national legal and governance policies. His stronghold in Kebbi State remains formidable, with a vast network of loyalists spanning across political, judicial, and business sectors.

The Weight of His Defection

If Malami were to officially leave the APC, it would not be a quiet departure. His exit would signal a shift in Kebbi’s political equilibrium, with potential consequences for the party’s dominance in the state.

1. Mass Exodus of Loyalists: Malami commands a significant following within the APC structure. His departure could trigger a wave of defections, weakening the party’s grassroots machinery.

2. APC’s Hold on Kebbi Could Be Shaken: As a strategist and mobilizer, Malami’s exit would create an opportunity for the opposition to capitalize on internal instability within the ruling party.

3. A Strengthened SDP in Kebbi and Beyond: If Malami joins the SDP, the party would gain immediate national attention and credibility, particularly if other disenchanted APC figures follow suit.

4. Impact on 2027 Elections: With Malami outside the APC, the contest for power in Kebbi ahead of the next election could become unpredictable, setting the stage for intense political realignments.

Malami’s Next Move: A Calculated Political Strategy?

Despite the speculations, Malami has remained silent, neither confirming nor denying his alleged defection plans. Political insiders, however, suggest that discussions are ongoing behind closed doors. If he makes the move, it would not be a spur-of-the-moment decision but a calculated strategy to reposition himself in the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.

APC’s Dilemma: Can They Afford to Lose Malami?

The APC now faces a critical moment. Losing a figure of Malami’s stature would be more than just a numerical setback; it would be a psychological blow to the party’s unity and dominance in Kebbi. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether APC can manage to keep Malami in its fold or if the political earthquake will strike, reshaping Kebbi’s political future.

For now, all eyes remain on Malami. Will he stay and fight within the APC, or will he chart a new course that could redefine the state's political direction? Only time will tell.