Defection Can’t Erase Malami’s Legacy of Impunity, Watchdog Group Warns
A civic watchdog, the Citizens Alliance for Rule of Law and Justice (CARoLJ), has faulted former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), over his recent defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the move as a “desperate political rebranding” that cannot erase his “legacy of impunity.”
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its president, Dr. Hamzat Tunde Ayoola, the group said Malami’s comments accusing the current administration of worsening insecurity and poverty were “deeply ironic,” given his alleged role in weakening Nigeria’s legal and anti-corruption institutions during his time in office.
“Abubakar Malami presided over one of the darkest periods in Nigeria’s legal history,” the group said. “To hear him now speak of justice, equity, and national rescue is to witness a man attempting to whitewash a legacy soaked in defiance of court orders, shielding of corrupt elites, and misuse of state power.”
Malami, who served as Minister of Justice from 2015 to 2023, announced his defection to the ADC last Wednesday, claiming the party offers a platform to “rescue Nigeria from collapse.” But CARoLJ described his sudden concern for public hardship as both “cynical and dishonest.”
According to the group, Malami’s tenure was marked by a series of controversial decisions — from the reinstatement of fugitive pension boss Abdulrasheed Maina to the presidential pardons for convicted ex-governors Joshua Dariye and Jolly Nyame, both processed through his ministry.
“Malami owes Nigerians answers. How did Maina return to civil service under his watch? Why were those convicted of stealing public funds granted clemency while petty offenders languished in jail?” Ayoola queried.
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CARoLJ further accused Malami of using his office to protect political allies while weaponizing agencies like the EFCC against critics and opposition figures. It also raised concerns over the alleged mishandling of recovered assets and foreign legal disputes that reportedly cost the country billions.
“The so-called asset recovery framework under Malami was a charade. Figures were announced, but transparency was absent. Recovered funds turned into a political vault,” the group alleged.
Citing reports of unexplained wealth and lavish displays by Malami’s associates and family, CARoLJ said public suspicion deepened as his tenure progressed.
“It is not lost on Nigerians that while millions slipped into poverty, Malami’s household displayed obscene opulence — from private jets to luxury weddings. His record does not reflect the values he now claims to champion,” Ayoola stated.
The group linked Malami’s ADC defection to his rumoured 2027 governorship ambition in Kebbi State, describing it as a calculated reinvention strategy.
“This is not patriotism; it’s self-preservation. Malami is not trying to save Nigeria—he’s trying to save himself,” Ayoola said.
Reacting to Malami’s recent appeal for Nigerians to “reclaim the nation” through the ADC, the group dismissed it as hypocrisy.
“The same Nigeria Malami claims to rescue is the one he helped dismantle. He was silent when banditry ravaged Zamfara, Kebbi, and Borno. Now, with elections approaching, he has found his voice,” the statement added.
CARoLJ concluded by warning Nigerians, especially the people of Kebbi State, not to fall for what it called “theatrics of political redemption.”
“True reform begins with accountability—not defection. Nigerians must not allow disgraced officials to reinvent themselves under new banners and slogans,” Ayoola said.
