BIRNIN KEBBI — Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has been confirmed as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate for Kebbi State. The move sets the stage for a high-stakes challenge against the incumbent, Governor Nasir Idris, in the 2027 general elections.

Malami, who recently defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC), emerged as the ADC's consensus aspirant following an internal selection process. The announcement was made Sunday by his media aide, Mohammed Bello Doka, who also unveiled the party’s senatorial candidates for the state.

Campaign Amidst Legal Turbulence

The nomination occurs as Malami navigates significant legal challenges. The former federal minister is currently standing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where he faces 16 counts of money laundering and conspiracy filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Prosecutors allege that Malami, alongside his wife and son, was involved in the concealment and laundering of approximately ₦8.7 billion.

In addition to the criminal charges, the court ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 luxury properties in January, valued at roughly ₦213 billion, which authorities suspect are linked to illicit activity during his tenure as Minister of Justice. Despite these ongoing proceedings, Malami has moved quickly to establish his political base within the ADC.

The 2027 Political Landscape

Malami’s entry into the race has already intensified political friction in Kebbi. Since declaring his intent to run, he has been a vocal critic of the Idris administration, labeling the state’s current handling of insecurity and economic hardship as inadequate.

The Kebbi State Government has countered these claims, with officials accusing Malami of hypocrisy. They argue that the systemic challenges currently affecting the state including poverty and educational decline were worsened during the years Malami served in the federal cabinet under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

As the state heads toward the 2027 cycle, the ADC appears to be consolidating its strategy. Beyond the governorship, the party confirmed the nomination of retired military officer Aminu Bande the 2023 PDP governorship candidatevas its senatorial candidate for Kebbi Central, with Ibrahim Mera and Garba Danjuma securing tickets for Kebbi North and South, respectively.