A heated political debate is unfolding in Kebbi State ahead of the 2027 governorship election. Mallam Abdullahi Idris, the Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to Governor Nasir Idris, has publicly questioned the suitability of Abubakar Malami, the African Democratic Congress governorship candidate, citing Malami's recent legal battles. Idris argued that Governor Idris' background as a professional teacher and his experience in the Nigeria Labour Congress had better prepared him for public leadership.
Governor Idris' aide credited the administration with executing infrastructure and socio-economic development projects across the state, describing its achievements as unprecedented. In contrast, Malami served as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice between 2015 and 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari. The statement highlighted the legal proceedings involving properties linked to Malami, including a Federal High Court ruling in July that ordered the final forfeiture of 48 properties linked to him and his family members.
The forfeited properties included assets in Kebbi, Kano, Kaduna, and Abuja, among them educational, residential, commercial, and hospitality properties. However, Malami has rejected the implication that the judgment represents the end of the matter, saying he disagreed with aspects of the ruling and had instructed his lawyers to challenge it at the Court of Appeal. He urged the public not to draw premature conclusions while the appellate process was ongoing.
The Kebbi ADC has rejected the suggestion that the legal proceedings should be used as a political indictment of its candidate. In July, the party accused the federal government of using judicial processes to intimidate Malami and weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections. The party said it supported lawful investigations but opposed what it described as the use of state institutions to intimidate opposition figures.
Idris said Malami's legal battles raised questions about his suitability to seek the governorship, alleging that the former minister had not made verifiable contributions to Kebbi's development during his years in federal office. He also referenced businesses and institutions in Birnin Kebbi allegedly linked to Malami, including hotels, schools, a radio station, and agricultural investments. The governor's aide said the ADC campaign council had concentrated on allegations concerning the Kebbi Government, while failing to adequately address the proceedings involving its candidate.
However, Malami and the ADC have maintained that the legal proceedings should not be treated as a final determination of the former minister's criminal culpability. Malami has denied wrongdoing and is challenging the forfeiture ruling through the appellate process. The ADC had earlier accused the federal government of politically persecuting Malami because of his decision to contest the 2027 governorship election. Malami has publicly framed the ADC campaign around reconciliation, unity, and issue-based politics.
Key points
- The 2027 governorship election in Kebbi State is increasingly featuring competing claims over governance records, development priorities, and political experience.
- Abubakar Malami's legal battles have raised questions about his suitability to seek the governorship, according to Governor Idris' aide.
- The ADC has accused the federal government of politically persecuting Malami and using judicial processes to intimidate him and weaken the opposition.
