The lawmaker representing Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency in Ondo State, Hon. Donald Ojogo, has fired back at former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, over his recent criticism of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for endorsing President Bola Tinubu for a second term amid ongoing national challenges.
Malami, speaking at a meeting of the National Political Consultative Group (North) in Abuja, accused the ruling party of prioritizing politics over governance. He lamented that the APC, at its recent national summit, endorsed Tinubu for re-election in 2027 rather than addressing pressing national issues such as insecurity, economic hardship, and widespread poverty.
Reacting swiftly in a strongly worded statement, Hon. Ojogo described Malami’s comments as “hypocritical and mischievous,” citing the former AGF’s controversial record under the Buhari administration.
“As a federal lawmaker, I speak not for the Presidency or as a party mouthpiece, but I cannot ignore Malami’s audacious mischief, especially in light of his troubling tenure as AGF,” Ojogo stated.
He further remarked that Malami’s criticism lacked moral weight, asserting: “If he assumes Nigerians have forgotten his actions as AGF, he underestimates our collective memory. His time in office was marked by contradictions to the very principles he now pretends to uphold.”
Ojogo, who previously served as Commissioner for Information and Orientation under the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, accused Malami of being a key impediment to security reforms in the South-West, particularly during critical moments in Ondo State’s security response.
“But for the boldness of Governor Akeredolu and other Southern leaders who defied Malami’s objections, the region would have experienced even worse levels of kidnapping and violence,” he said.
He also criticized Malami’s staunch opposition to state policing and described his interpretation of federalism as “jaundiced,” claiming it undermined meaningful decentralization efforts.
The heated exchange highlights ongoing tensions within the ruling party as it navigates internal criticisms ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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