Kebbi, Nigeria – July 20, 2025 — In a political landscape long dominated by entrenched elites, a bold new movement is taking shape—one led by former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN. Now a prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Malami has launched an ambitious youth-focused policy agenda that seeks to harness the energy, creativity, and potential of young Nigerians ahead of the 2027 elections.
Malami’s defection to the ADC in July 2025 sent ripples through Nigeria’s political establishment. Declaring the move as one rooted in patriotism and urgency, he cited the party’s commitment to justice, inclusion, competence, and national renewal as key motivators. But beyond political realignment, Malami’s most resonant message is his unwavering belief in youth leadership.
“The energy and enthusiasm of Nigeria’s youth are powerful enough to reshape the trajectory of our politics,” Malami declared during a Consultative meeting with young Nigerians. “The ADC is the platform where young Nigerians will rise, lead, and build a better tomorrow.”
A Proven Legacy in Youth Inclusion
Malami’s advocacy for youth empowerment predates his recent political shift. During his tenure as Attorney General (2015–2023), he was instrumental in initiating and championing the Not Too Young to Run bill—one of the most transformative pieces of youth-centered legislation in Nigeria’s democratic history.
Signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari in May 2018, the bill lowered the constitutional age requirement for political office—allowing Nigerians as young as 25 to contest for the House of Representatives and State Assemblies, and 35 for the presidency. While youth organizations such as YIAGA Africa, led by Samson Itodo and Cynthia Mbamalu, spearheaded grassroots mobilization, it was Malami’s legal support and institutional push that ensured the bill’s passage.
The bill galvanized a new era of youth political participation. In the 2019 elections, youth candidacy surged to 34.2%, up from 21% in 2015. By 2023, youth representation in the House of Representatives reached 3.92%, with State Assemblies seeing a modest rise to 9.2%.
Beyond Legislation: A Track Record of Youth-Focused Reforms
Malami’s support for the youth extended beyond the legislature. Under his watch, the Ministry of Justice backed the 2019 National Youth Policy, promoting initiatives such as student loan schemes, job-matching programs, and enterprise development centers. He also advocated for reforms within the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), aimed at improving the welfare, safety, and career prospects of corps members.
These policies reflected a broader philosophy: that sustainable national development must include deliberate investment in Nigeria’s overwhelmingly young population—more than 77% of whom are under the age of 35.
A Bold Agenda for 2027: Youth in the Driver’s Seat
Now under the ADC banner, Malami is doubling down on youth inclusion. His proposed 2027 policy framework includes reserving a significant percentage of his cabinet for individuals under the age of 35. He is also pushing for the policy to be adopted as a core part of the ADC’s manifesto.
“The youth are not just the future; they are the present,” Malami said. “It is time to give them real platforms for leadership, not token gestures.”
His vision aligns with calls from civil society groups such as the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), which advocates for at least 50% youth representation in African governance structures.
The proposed policy framework also includes political mentorship programs, civic education, and the establishment of entrepreneurship hubs across the country—designed to prepare young Nigerians for leadership and self-reliance.
“We need intentional representation,” said Abdul-Malik Rabiu Jaafar, a youth leader within the ADC. “Malami’s leadership proves that ADC is serious about empowering Nigeria’s youth.”
Coalitions and Momentum: A Youth-Led Political Shift
Malami’s transition to the ADC coincides with the formation of a powerful coalition of political heavyweights—including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi—who have aligned under the ADC’s emerging umbrella to challenge the ruling APC in 2027.
According to political analyst Iliyasu Hadi, “The ADC is becoming the home of Nigeria’s youth-driven opposition. With experienced leaders like Malami backing real inclusion, they have a fighting chance.”
Indeed, in the 2023 general elections, the ADC recorded the highest levels of youth participation at the party level, outperforming traditional parties like the Action Democratic Party (ADP) and the Labour Party.
Malami’s campaign is now building on the political energy that surged during youth-led movements such as #EndSARS, seeking to transform activism into institutional change.
Criticism and Resistance
Malami’s rising profile has not gone unchallenged. The Concerned Northern Forum (CNF) has criticized his gubernatorial ambitions in Kebbi State, labeling him a “recycled political liability.” The group argues that his switch to ADC is a desperate attempt at political survival.
Malami, however, remains undeterred.
“This is not about personal ambition,” he stated. “It is about restoring hope, amplifying the voices of the people of Kebbi, and empowering the next generation.”
Still, challenges persist. Despite the success of the Not Too Young to Run movement, structural obstacles remain—ranging from prohibitively high nomination fees to limited access to political party machinery and low youth representation at federal levels.
Malami’s policy seeks to close these gaps, but analysts caution that real change will require more than legislation—it will demand sustained political will, civic education, and strategic investment.
A Generation at the Crossroads
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, Malami’s call for youth inclusion is resonating. From social media spaces to grassroots forums, young Nigerians are engaging with a renewed sense of political purpose.
“This is our moment,” said Dr. Halimah Sanda, a youth advocate from Kano. “With leaders like Malami and the ADC, we can finally shape a future that reflects our dreams.”
Malami’s message is clear: youth are not an afterthought, they are the architects of Nigeria’s next chapter. Through the ADC, he is building a movement—not just a campaign—that invites young people to lead, innovate, and transform.
“Young, vibrant leaders are Nigeria’s greatest asset,” he declared. “Let us unleash their potential and build a nation we can all be proud of.”
As the race to 2027 heats up, the question remains: Will Nigeria’s youth answer the call?
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Which malami? The kidnapper that kidnapped MNK from Kenya, we know him and he can never be president of Nigeria,
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