KADUNA, April 11, 2025 – In the quiet elegance of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s Kaduna residence, a gathering of Nigeria’s political titans unfolded for a highly celebrated post-Sallah courtesy call. Yet, the air thick with hope and ambition, at the heart of this historic parley stood Abubakar Malami SAN, the former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, whose commanding presence and strategic finesse turned a festive visit into a masterclass in political orchestration. As the nation watches the chessboard of 2027 take shape, Malami’s star shines brighter than ever, signaling a new chapter in Nigeria’s ever-evolving power play.
The guest list read like a who’s-who of opposition heavyweights: former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal, former Benue Governor Gabriel Suswam, former Adamawa Governor Jibrilla Bindow, and former Communications Minister Isa Pantami. Each name carried the weight of past battles and future aspirations, but it was Malami—erudite, composed, and unrelenting—who emerged as the linchpin, his legal acumen and political sagacity binding the group in a shared vision. As philosopher Plato once mused, “We are twice armed if we fight with faith.” Malami’s faith in Nigeria’s potential, honed during his tenure as the nation’s chief law officer, was palpable, his every gesture a testament to a man poised for greatness and ready to redefine the political landscape.
The meeting, ostensibly a Ramadan gesture, bore the unmistakable hallmarks of a strategic summit. Nigeria’s political history is replete with such moments—discreet gatherings that birth seismic shifts. Recall the 2013 merger of opposition parties that formed the All Progressives Congress (APC), a coalition Malami himself helped fortify as a legal strategist. Or consider the 1999 Obasanjo-Atiku alliance, forged in similar backrooms, which reshaped the Fourth Republic. Today, Malami stands at a comparable crossroads, his Kaduna appearance evoking memories of these pivotal junctures. Sources close to the event describe him as the “glue” of the discussions, navigating the delicate egos of men who once clashed over ideology, loyalty, and power.
What sets Malami apart is not merely his resume but his vision. As Attorney-General from 2015 to 2023, he tackled Nigeria’s legal complexities—anti-corruption drives, asset recovery, and judicial reforms—with a tenacity that earned both admiration and critique. His role in securing billions in repatriated funds, like the $311 million Abacha loot from the United States, showcased a mind attuned to global diplomacy and national interest. At Buhari’s residence, that same sharpness was on display, as Malami reportedly steered conversations toward unity and strategy, his words measured yet magnetic. As Friedrich Nietzsche declared, “That which does not kill us makes us stronger.” Malami’s political journey—marked by triumphs and trials—has forged a leader undeterred by adversity, ready to chart Nigeria’s future.
The timing of this meeting is no coincidence. With President Bola Tinubu’s administration grappling with economic headwinds and regional discontent, the North—Nigeria’s electoral kingmaker—simmers with restlessness. Malami, a son of Kebbi, embodies the region’s aspirations, his roots grounding him even as his greatness calls at the alter of politics. The Kaduna gathering, held in Buhari’s neutral domain, offered a rare chance to mend fences among former rivals. Atiku, once Buhari’s electoral foe, shared light moments with the host, as he later tweeted. El-Rufai, a Tinubu skeptic, found common cause with Tambuwal, a PDP defector. Yet, it was Malami’s ability to bridge these divides—APC loyalists, PDP stalwarts, and independents—that sparked whispers of a 2027 coalition, possibly under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) or any other banner.
This is not to say the road ahead is smooth. Nigerian politics thrives on fluidity, where today’s allies are tomorrow’s adversaries. The APC, rattled by reports of defections, has reason to watch Malami closely. His proximity to Buhari, whose silence speaks louder than any endorsement, adds intrigue. As Lao Tzu wisely noted, “To lead people, walk beside them.” Malami’s approach—collaborative yet authoritative—positions him as a leader who listens as keenly as he directs. His Kaduna performance, described by one attendee as “vintage Malami,” suggests a man unafraid to wield influence while cloaking it in humility.
Beyond the optics, the meeting underscores a deeper truth: Nigeria craves leaders who transcend division. Malami’s tenure as Attorney-General was not without controversy—critics questioned his handling of high-profile cases, while supporters hailed his reforms. Yet, in Kaduna, he rose above past debates, focusing on the future. His interactions with Pantami, a tech visionary, hinted at discussions on digital governance—a nod to Nigeria’s youth. His rapport with Suswam and Bindow touched on grassroots mobilization, vital for any 2027 bid. As Aristotle observed, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” Malami’s ability to unite disparate voices into a cohesive force marks him as a statesman of rare caliber.
The Kaduna summit may not yield immediate headlines of a new party or candidacy, but its ripples will be felt years to come. For the APC, it’s a wake-up call—a reminder that loyalty is fleeting when trust falters. For the North, it’s a spark, with Malami as its brightest flame. And for Nigerians, it’s a glimpse of possibility, led by a man whose legal mind and political heart refuse to settle for less. As Malami exited Buhari’s residence, his smile betrayed a quiet confidence, a signal that 2027 is not just a date but a destination. In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, *“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”* Abubakar Malami SAN is blazing that trail, and Nigeria is watching.
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