July 2025
The Nigerian political terrain is once again shifting as the 2027 general elections approach. This time, the epicenter of the change is the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—a party once seen as peripheral, now gaining momentum through the defection of heavyweight northern political figures including Abubakar Malami (SAN), Nasir El-Rufai, and Babachir David Lawal. Their mass movement from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) into the ADC has spurred both optimism and concern across political and civil society spaces.
To some, this signals a rescue operation to reverse years of political decay and economic mismanagement. To others, it threatens the ideological identity of the ADC, potentially compromising its reformist ambitions. This paper contends that while risks abound, the involvement of Abubakar Malami (SAN) offers a strategic advantage—especially in strengthening party unity, legal clarity, and national cohesion—making the merger a potentially transformative step toward democratic renewal.
The Political Crisis and the Search for Alternatives
Nigeria's political reality since 2015 has been marked by a steady decline in public trust toward the ruling elites. Economic hardships, spiraling insecurity, youth unemployment, and a rising cost of living have all but destroyed the hope that greeted the APC’s rise to power. Across the northern region, these failures have been especially pronounced, with banditry, food inflation, and mass poverty worsening the humanitarian situation.
This disillusionment has set the stage for a political shake-up. The emergence of the ADC—once viewed as a marginal party—as the new platform for national rescue is the result of growing dissatisfaction with both APC and PDP. The ADC’s appeal has surged with the defection of leaders who once held central positions in the APC government. Among these, Abubakar Malami’s role is uniquely influential and deserves special attention.
Abubakar Malami (SAN): The Bridge Builder in a Fragmented Landscape
Often misunderstood or politically underestimated, Abubakar Malami (SAN) is emerging as a unifying figure within the new ADC coalition. As Nigeria’s former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Malami brings a deep understanding of legal frameworks, constitutional balance, and institutional governance, which is critical in building a strong, rules-based party.
1. Legal and Constitutional Leadership
One of the weaknesses of many Nigerian political parties is the lack of adherence to constitutionalism and internal democracy. Malami’s legal expertise positions him to anchor the ADC in rule-based governance, internal conflict resolution, and party discipline. This is essential in a coalition that includes multiple former governors and ambitious leaders.
His knowledge also allows the ADC to navigate legal minefields associated with party mergers, electoral reforms, and constitutional amendments—a strategic advantage as Nigeria debates restructuring, fiscal federalism, and electoral justice.
2. A Symbol of Continuity and Change
Though Malami was a core figure in the APC government, his departure signifies a conscious rejection of the party’s direction, particularly its centralization of power and lack of internal cohesion. His transition to the ADC, therefore, offers a bridge between old political structures and new political ideals. He is a figure who understands the corridors of power, yet has chosen to realign with a party promising to do things differently.
In this regard, Malami offers continuity—ensuring institutional memory is not lost—and change, symbolizing a break from the dysfunction that has plagued the APC.
3. Northern Consensus and National Integration
Perhaps Malami’s greatest strength lies in his ability to build consensus across northern political blocs. As a respected legal mind from Kebbi State with ties to traditional institutions and grassroots political structures, he can mobilize both elite and popular support. He is seen as a moderate voice, untainted by sectarian extremism or regional chauvinism.
With Nigeria increasingly polarized along ethnic and religious lines, a figure like Malami is essential for national integration. His presence in the ADC reassures northern conservatives while also signaling to the South that dialogue, not division, will define the new political order.
Why the ADC Merger Matters: A Rescue Mission for the Nation
With figures like Malami, El-Rufai, and Babachir Lawal, the ADC now possesses the intellectual depth, political experience, and national presence to challenge the dominance of the APC and PDP. More than just a new party, the ADC is now being viewed as a rescue mission for Nigeria.
1. Youth Engagement and Reformist Agenda
One of the most promising aspects of the ADC movement is its emphasis on youth engagement and digital governance. Unlike the old parties driven by patronage networks, the ADC is positioning itself as a platform for innovation, education, and entrepreneurship.
2. National Reconciliation
The inclusion of Babachir Lawal, a northern Christian and vocal critic of the Muslim-Muslim APC presidential ticket in 2023, signals a bold attempt at religious balancing and inclusion. With Malami as a legal unifier and El-Rufai as a technocrat, the ADC is building a broad national front that could reset the country’s divisive politics.
3. Economic Redirection
The party's economic agenda, largely shaped by technocrats within its ranks, is focused on decentralization, agricultural investment, education reform, and currency stabilization. Malami’s legal oversight can ensure that economic policies are constitutionally sound and sustainably implemented.
The Risks Still Looming: Can the Rescue Team Stay United?
Despite these strengths, the ADC faces internal risks. The presence of multiple presidential hopefuls could create factionalism, and old rivalries may resurface. Moreover, many Nigerians remain skeptical about politicians like Malami and El-Rufai due to their roles in the Buhari government. The ADC must counter this narrative by demonstrating ethical reform, transparency, and people-focused governance.
It must also avoid becoming just another platform for recycled elites. The ADC’s credibility depends on how it balances old political strength with new democratic values. Malami’s leadership will be tested in ensuring cohesion, equity, and trust-building within the growing coalition.
Conclusion: A Rising Force with a Dual Identity
The rise of the ADC, powered by northern political leaders, is both a threat and a rescue opportunity. It threatens to disrupt existing political balances but also offers a viable alternative to decades of misrule. Abubakar Malami (SAN) stands out as a stabilizing figure—providing the legal framework, national vision, and bridge-building qualities needed to hold the coalition together.
If managed properly, the ADC could become more than just a third force; it could evolve into the people’s party, channeling Nigeria’s collective frustrations into constructive governance. But success will depend on whether its leaders—especially Malami—can transcend past mistakes, embrace transparency, and build a genuinely inclusive national movement.
In 2027, Nigeria may not just be choosing a new party—it may be choosing whether or not to be rescued.
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