Former Presidential aide and legal practitioner, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, has made explosive claims, alleging that former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, and several other influential political figures have been engaged in a covert plan to undermine President Bola Ahmed Tinubu since 2024.
Obono-Obla, a former Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Prosecution, made the revelation in an exclusive media interview over the weekend, where he accused Malami and unnamed powerful interests of working behind the scenes to sabotage Tinubu’s presidency. According to him, the plot began shortly after Tinubu assumed office and has intensified as the 2027 general elections draw closer.
“They never wanted him to succeed,” Obono-Obla claims
In his statement, Obono-Obla said, “There is a powerful cabal, comprising former government officials, some of them from the Buhari era, who have not accepted the fact that Tinubu is president. People like Malami, who wielded immense influence during Buhari’s administration, have been uncomfortable with the way Tinubu has been cleaning up certain elements of the system.”
He added, “These people are afraid of being exposed or losing relevance. Since 2024, they have been working day and night, quietly mobilizing forces within and outside the political establishment to frustrate the president’s efforts and project him as a failure.”
Obono-Obla’s comments are the latest in a string of public statements from pro-Tinubu allies, who have raised alarms about internal sabotage and disloyalty from elements within the political elite and bureaucracy.
“They thrive in chaos and want to control the narrative”
The former aide further alleged that the individuals behind the supposed plot have been feeding the media with damaging narratives aimed at tarnishing the image of the Tinubu administration. According to him, there is a deliberate attempt to portray the president as weak, incompetent, and unable to lead the country.
“They thrive in chaos. They want Nigerians to believe that this government is failing. Some are even hoping the security crisis worsens so they can use it as a tool to discredit the president further,” he said.
Obono-Obla also accused some civil servants and political appointees loyal to the previous administration of sabotaging policies and delaying the implementation of presidential directives, claiming such acts are part of a broader scheme to paint Tinubu in bad light.
Malami yet to respond
As of the time of filing this report, former AGF Abubakar Malami has not issued a formal response to the allegations. Attempts to reach his media aides for comment were unsuccessful. Malami, who served as Nigeria’s chief law officer from 2015 to 2023, has maintained a low profile since leaving office, rarely engaging in political commentary.
Political observers note that Malami was a key power broker during Buhari’s administration and had access to critical state information, making Obono-Obla’s claims all the more explosive.
Mixed reactions trail Obono-Obla’s claims
The statement has generated widespread reactions across Nigeria’s political landscape. While some supporters of President Tinubu have applauded Obono-Obla for speaking out, others have dismissed his remarks as speculative and unsubstantiated.
A senior member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who spoke anonymously, said, “These are serious allegations, and they shouldn’t be brushed aside. If what Obono-Obla is saying is true, then the presidency must act swiftly to identify and dismantle any internal sabotage network.”
Conversely, a former senator from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) described the claims as “diversionary,” accusing the Tinubu administration of scapegoating instead of delivering on its campaign promises.
“It’s easy to accuse others of sabotage when you’re failing to lead effectively. Nigerians want results, not blame games,” he said.
Calls for investigation
Amid the rising controversy, civil society organizations and legal analysts have called on the federal government to investigate Obono-Obla’s claims. Some have suggested that if credible evidence exists, those involved in any conspiracy to destabilize the presidency should be held accountable.
“The allegations are weighty and should not be ignored. The security agencies must probe these claims to determine their veracity. It’s not just about politics—it’s about the stability of the country,” said Jibrin Olawale, a political analyst based in Abuja.
Tinubu’s camp maintains silence
The presidency has yet to officially respond to Obono-Obla’s claims. However, sources within Aso Rock indicate that President Tinubu remains focused on governance and is unshaken by political distractions. According to one aide, “The president is aware of the forces working against him, but he’s not losing sleep. He is determined to deliver on his mandate.”
With 2027 approaching, the political atmosphere in Nigeria is becoming increasingly charged. Allegations such as these, if not addressed conclusively, may further deepen divisions within the ruling party and the broader political establishment.
For now, Nigerians await the next move—whether from Malami, the presidency, or investigative authorities—as the storm stirred by Obono-Obla’s revelations continues to gather momentum.
