ADC backs Malami, says corruption trial won’t affect Kebbi governorship ambition

By Musa Baba Adamu

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi State has declared that the ongoing corruption trial of its governorship candidate and former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), will not prevent him from contesting the 2027 governorship election.
In a statement jointly signed by the party’s State Chairman, Engr. Sufiyanu Bala, and Chairman of the ADC Elders Forum, Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Sambawa, the party described the prosecution as politically motivated and aimed at weakening opposition figures ahead of the 2027 polls.
The ADC said while it supports lawful investigations and prosecution where justified, it believes Malami’s case reflects an attempt to intimidate members of opposition parties.
According to the party, the petition, investigation, arrest, detention and prosecution of the former Minister of Justice were orchestrated to achieve a predetermined political objective.
The party also challenged allegations surrounding Malami’s assets, arguing that investigators failed to take into account his personal and family background before his appointment as Attorney-General of the Federation.
Expressing confidence in the judiciary, the ADC said the courts, including the appellate courts where necessary, would determine the matter based on the law and evidence.
Reaffirming its support for the former minister, the party said its members across Kebbi State remain united behind Malami’s governorship aspiration and insisted that no amount of “blackmail, harassment, intimidation, name-calling or media trial” would derail his campaign.
Malami, who served as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice under former President Muhammadu Buhari between 2015 and 2023, is seeking the Kebbi governorship on the platform of the ADC.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which is prosecuting the former minister, has maintained that its investigation and prosecution are based on available evidence and carried out in accordance with the law, regardless of political affiliation.