Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Monday visited ex-Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, in Birnin Kebbi, following reports that Malami’s convoy had come under attack.
During the solidarity visit, Atiku strongly condemned the incident, warning against the rising tide of politically motivated violence targeting leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Nigeria has a troubled history with election-related violence, often fuelled by intense rivalry between political parties and their supporters. In the build-up to the 2023 polls, several states witnessed such unrest, including attacks on convoys, party offices, and campaign venues.
Describing the trend as “dangerous,” Atiku called on security agencies and political stakeholders to act swiftly to prevent further escalation.
In a statement released by Muhammad Al-Amin, Zonal Coordinator of the Malami Support Organisation, Atiku reaffirmed his commitment to democratic ideals, saying:
“The ADC coalition remains committed to rescuing Nigeria’s democracy from imminent threats. We must not allow anti-democratic forces to thrive.”
Malami, in response, expressed gratitude for the visit and said the attack highlighted the growing danger of political hostilities.
“This incident is a stark warning against the politicisation of violence and the deliberate attempt to undermine democratic institutions for partisan gain,” the former Justice Minister noted.
Security agencies are yet to issue a formal statement on the incident.
Analysts, however, warn that unchecked political violence could further destabilise Nigeria’s democratic process and erode public confidence in future elections.
The attack on Malami’s convoy comes as the ADC is attempting to broaden its national presence, positioning itself as a “third force” to challenge the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Atiku, who has consistently spoken out against political violence, described it as one of the gravest threats to Nigeria’s democratic consolidation. His visit to Malami underscores growing concerns that political tensions may heighten as the 2027 elections approach.
