Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has secured the governorship ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for Kebbi State ahead of the 2027 general elections, even as he faces an ongoing ₦8.7 billion money laundering trial at the Federal High Court.
Malami, who recently defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the ADC, was affirmed as the party's consensus candidate during consultations with ADC stakeholders in Kebbi State. The announcement was made in a statement released on Sunday by his Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Bello Doka.
In the statement, Malami expressed gratitude to party leaders and supporters for backing his ambition, pledging "purposeful leadership" and better governance for Kebbi State. He said, "I sincerely appreciate the confidence and support shown by leaders, stakeholders, and supporters of the African Democratic Congress in Kebbi State ahead of the 2027 general elections."
The ADC also unveiled candidates for other key elective positions through consensus arrangements. Retired Major General Aminu Bande emerged as the party's senatorial candidate for Kebbi Central, while retired Deputy Comptroller General Ibrahim Muhammad Mera was picked for Kebbi North Senatorial District and Garba Danjuma Limi for Kebbi South.
Malami stated that the ADC is focused on delivering "purposeful leadership, good governance, justice, security, and sustainable development for Kebbi State and Nigeria as a whole." He added, "Together, with unity and determination, we shall build a more prosperous future for generations to come."
Malami's defection to the ADC has turned Kebbi into a major political battleground, as he exchanges accusations with incumbent Governor Nasir Idris of the APC over the state's security and economic challenges. The former AGF has criticized the state government for rising insecurity and economic hardship, while Governor Idris's allies have accused Malami of poor leadership and political opportunism during his tenure under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Malami served as Attorney-General and Minister of Justice from 2015 to 2023, a period marked by controversies involving corruption allegations, asset recovery disputes, and questions over government spending. Despite the ongoing ₦8.7 billion fraud trial, Malami has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
His emergence as the ADC governorship candidate sets the stage for a highly contested election in Kebbi State, with political tensions escalating as both camps trade allegations over governance failures and corruption.
