Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress in Kebbi State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Malami secured the party’s ticket after being affirmed as the ADC consensus governorship aspirant during internal consultations and party arrangements ahead of the polls.
The former minister disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday through his Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Bello Doka.
The statement also announced the party’s senatorial candidates for the three senatorial districts in Kebbi State.
Malami, who recently defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress to the ADC, thanked party leaders, stakeholders and supporters for what he described as the confidence reposed in him.
“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,” he said.
According to the statement, consultations among party leaders led to the affirmation of candidates for major elective offices in the state.
The ADC confirmed Malami as its governorship candidate for Kebbi State, while retired Major General Aminu Bande was named as the party’s senatorial candidate for Kebbi Central.
Retired Deputy Comptroller General Ibrahim Muhammad Mera was also affirmed as the candidate for Kebbi North Senatorial District, while Garba Danjuma Limi emerged as the party’s candidate for Kebbi South.
Malami pledged that the ADC would focus on good governance, justice, security and development if elected into office.
According to him, the party remains committed to “purposeful leadership, good governance, justice, security, and sustainable development for Kebbi State and Nigeria as a whole.”
He also called for unity among party members and supporters ahead of the election season.
“Together, with unity and determination, we shall build a more prosperous future for generations to come,” he added.
Malami is expected to challenge incumbent Governor Nasir Idris of the APC, who is likely to seek re-election under the ruling party.
The former AGF emerged unopposed during the ADC governorship primary after party leaders reportedly agreed on a consensus arrangement to avoid internal divisions.
His emergence also marks a significant political development because of his long-standing association with the APC and former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Malami served as Attorney-General and Minister of Justice throughout Buhari’s eight-year administration from 2015 to 2023 and was considered one of the most influential members of the former government.
During his years in office, he played major roles in several federal government legal and policy matters, including anti-corruption cases, constitutional issues and election-related litigation.
However, his tenure also attracted criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups over some controversial government decisions and legal disputes during the Buhari administration.
Since leaving office and defecting to the ADC, Malami has increasingly positioned himself as a strong opposition figure in Kebbi politics.
In recent weeks, he has openly criticised the Kebbi State Government over rising insecurity, economic hardship and governance challenges.
The former minister accused the current administration of failing to adequately address attacks by bandits and criminal groups affecting parts of the state.
Kebbi State, like several states in the North-West region, has experienced recurring security challenges in recent years, including bandit attacks, cattle rustling, kidnapping and attacks on rural communities.
Many residents in affected local government areas have repeatedly called for stronger security measures and improved protection for farmers and villagers.
Malami has also criticised what he described as worsening economic conditions in the state, promising that his administration would focus on development and improved living conditions if elected governor.
However, the Kebbi State Government and APC leaders have strongly pushed back against his criticisms.
Officials loyal to Governor Idris have accused Malami of political opportunism and questioned his performance during his time as Attorney-General under Buhari.
Some APC leaders in the state also accused him of contributing to some of the national problems he now criticises.
The exchanges between both camps have heightened political tension in Kebbi as politicians begin early preparations for the 2027 elections.
Although the APC has maintained political dominance in Kebbi for years, observers believe growing dissatisfaction over insecurity and economic hardship could make the 2027 election more competitive.
The ADC has recently intensified efforts to expand its presence across several states by attracting former members of major political parties seeking alternative platforms.
Malami’s defection is seen as one of the party’s biggest political gains so far in the North-West region.
Supporters of the former minister believe his national political experience and strong connections could strengthen the ADC’s chances in Kebbi.
However, critics argue that defeating the APC structure in the state will remain a difficult task because of the ruling party’s deep grassroots network and control of government structures.
The coming months are expected to witness increased political meetings, consultations and campaigns as parties prepare for the governorship contest.
For now, Malami’s emergence as ADC governorship candidate has officially opened a new chapter in Kebbi politics, setting the stage for what could become one of the most closely watched governorship races in the North-West ahead of 2027.