Malami’s Trial Won’t Stop His 2027 Governorship Bid, Says Kebbi ADC

The Kebbi State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has described the ongoing trial of its governorship candidate and former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), as politically motivated, insisting that the legal action will not derail his ambition to contest the 2027 governorship election.

The party made the assertion in a statement jointly signed by its State Chairman, Engr. Sufiyanu Bala, and Chairman of the ADC Elders Forum, Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Sambawa, alleging that the prosecution was part of a larger effort to intimidate opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the party, while it supports lawful investigations and prosecution of anyone found wanting, Malami’s case bears the hallmarks of political persecution aimed at weakening the opposition in Kebbi State.

“We are not averse to lawful investigation, arraignment and prosecution of any suspect, but we are not blind to the ongoing Gestapo method of muzzling members of opposition parties across the nation,” the statement read.

The ADC further alleged that the petition, investigation, arrest, detention and prosecution of the former Minister of Justice were carefully orchestrated to achieve a predetermined political objective.

“It is even more clear that from the politically motivated petition, investigation, arrest, detention and prosecution, the Malami matter is primarily dictated, designed and orchestrated to achieve a predetermined goal,” the party stated.

The party also faulted the allegations surrounding Malami’s assets, arguing that investigators failed to consider his personal and family background before his appointment as Attorney-General of the Federation.

Expressing confidence in the judiciary, the ADC said the courts would ultimately determine the case based on the law and evidence.

“The good thing about Malami’s case is that his prosecutors have no final say on the accusations levelled against him, and we are supremely confident that the appellate court will do justice to him,” the statement added.

The party reaffirmed its support for the former minister, saying members across Kebbi State remained united behind his governorship ambition.

“We wish to state, without equivocation, that the entire members of the ADC in Kebbi State are solidly behind our party leader and governorship candidate, come rain or shine,” it stated.

According to the party, no amount of “blackmail, harassment, intimidation, name-calling or media trial” would discourage it from pursuing victory in the 2027 governorship election.

The ADC maintained that Malami’s ongoing trial would neither weaken the party nor diminish his popularity among supporters, insisting that his governorship bid remains on course despite the legal proceedings.

Malami, who served as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice under former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2015 to 2023, is seeking to become governor of Kebbi State on the platform of the ADC.

The former minister was dragged before the court  by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFC over alleged corruption while in office .

The commission had maintained that the investigations and prosecutions are based on available evidence and carried out in accordance with the law, irrespective of the political affiliation.