Malami Thanks Atiku For Solidarity Visit, Slams APC Over Thugs’ Attack

By Mohammed Bello Doka 

Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), on Monday, September 8, 2025, expressed profound gratitude to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for visiting him at his Abuja residence following last week’s violent attack on his convoy in Kebbi State.

Malami, who accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of sponsoring the attack, described Atiku’s gesture as a powerful show of solidarity. “I am deeply moved by his personal engagement, and the discussion we shared underscored the urgent need for all Nigerians—irrespective of political affiliation—to uphold peace, security, and the rule of law,” Malami said.

He alleged that the attack was politically motivated and part of a wider pattern of assaults targeting opposition figures across the country. “The violent attack was orchestrated by APC-sponsored thugs in Kebbi State. It is a stark warning against the politicization of violence and the deliberate attempt to undermine democratic institutions for partisan advantage,” Malami declared.

Malami further recalled recent incidents in other states: “Only days earlier, thugs believed to be working for the ruling party violently stormed an ADC coalition meeting in Kaduna led by Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. Similarly, in Lagos, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour was targeted during a rally in Alimosho, where hired hoodlums injured participants and scattered the gathering,” he noted.

Speaking during the visit, Atiku condemned the attack on Malami and called for restraint and respect for democratic principles. “I came here today not as a politician, but as a brother and a compatriot. Violence has no place in our democracy. Malami has served this country with distinction, and no one deserves to be subjected to such reckless intimidation,” the former Vice President said.

He also stressed the need for leaders to rise above political differences in defense of Nigeria’s democracy. “Nigeria belongs to all of us. We cannot allow thuggery and impunity to define our politics. What unites us as Nigerians is far greater than what divides us, and it is only through peace and dialogue that we can build a stronger nation,” Atiku added.

Malami, in turn, praised Atiku for his statesmanship and solidarity. “It is heartening to witness leaders prioritizing principles over politics, demonstrating that the bonds of our shared humanity and the sanctity of our democracy transcend partisan lines,” he said.

He concluded with a clarion call: “Let this moment serve as a reminder that the path to a stronger Nigeria lies in unity, justice, and the unwavering pursuit of truth.”