2023 may seem far for some people, but to President Muhamadu Buhari’s political allies, popularly known as the “Villa Cabal”, now is better than never.
This is because all efforts are currently geared towards pairing the current Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami as running mate to former President Goodluck Jonathan, LeadingReporters has learnt.
A source who is in the know confided in this platform disclosed that Malami is the preferred running mate to President Goodluck Jonathan, whom this platform learnt is being lobbied by the cabal to contest as President under the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC ticket come 2023.
“Former President Goodluck Jonathan is being lobbied to contest under APC. The “Cabal” has vowed to make it happen and to fund his campaign. I guess the only thing they are perfecting now is how to convince Nigerians that the man they had previously labeled “most corrupt” and “evil” is now a saint to succeed Buhari”.
Malami, it was learnt had eyes for Kebbi State gubernatorial position before this new development. A project the cabal is viewing to be near-impossible because Malami lacks the grassroots clout and may not have the support of the powerbrokers from Kebbi State. Another factor that is believed to be going to militate against his governorship ambition borders on the influence of some political figures such as Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah Ali and Senator Adamu Aliero who are believed to have strong political structure and influence on the electorates and key political decisions makers in Kebbi State, the home State of Malami.
The source hinted that by the “cabal” calculation, someone trusted is needed to protect their interest in the next political dispensation. They feared that losing grip of power in the next presidency may spell doom for them and their business interests as they may be subjected to untamed investigations by the new government in power. They believe Jonathan may not tilt towards investigating his predecessor, and in the event that happens, Abubakar Malami may be the anchor the “cabal” needs to hinge their political structures and economic achievements.
Towards achieving that, it was learnt that Malami, on the instruction of the cabal had to source for a loyal, dependable and trusted person to head the Economic and Financial Crime Commission EFCC. By their calculation, a close ally would help nail every perceived opponent come, 2023. In addition to that, the EFCC henchmen would help weed off every allegations that may be used against their interest come 2023. The current EFCC Chairman Abdulrasheed Bawa, fell within the description of the preferred candidate. Mr. Bawa hails from Kebbi State as the Attorney General for the Federation.
It was reported that part of the plan is to use the anti-corruption agency to go after former President Goodluck Jonathan and his allies in the event he turns down the offer to run for Presidency with Malami as his running mate.
“Coercion is plan B”
How did Abubakar Malami become so powerful as to be ‘favoured’ with Nigeria’s Vice Presidency come 2023 by the “cabal”, people may ask? Malami was Bullet Nigeria Limited company’s attorney. Bullet Nigeria Limited was owned by one of the strongest ally for President Muhammadu Buhari, the late Ismaila Isa Fantua. It was leant that Mr. Fantua had so much trust in Abubakar Malami that he single-handedly ‘marketed’ him to the “cabal” and President Buhari as the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. Since then, Malami has been wielding the scepter of ‘justice’ on behalf of his benefactor and other members of the inner caucus in the Presidency.