The political camp of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has been plunged into uncertainty following his ongoing legal battle with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), a development widely regarded as a major blow to his 2027 governorship ambition in Kebbi State.
Malami, who in July 2025 defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), had formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 Kebbi governorship election, pledging to “restore hope” to the state. His declaration immediately altered the political landscape, drawing both strong support and fierce criticism.
While loyalists hailed his entry into the race as bold and timely, critics dismissed the ambition as “dead on arrival.” One of the most vocal critics was Yahya Sarki, Chief Press Secretary to Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, who publicly questioned Malami’s eligibility to seek elective office, citing integrity concerns and pending corruption allegations.
Barely four months after declaring his ambition, Malami was arrested by the EFCC on December 8, 2025, over allegations bordering on money laundering and abuse of office. The anti-graft agency is prosecuting him alongside his son, Abdulaziz Malami, and an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Limited, Hajia Asabe Bashir, on charges of conspiracy and concealment of proceeds of unlawful activities allegedly running into billions of naira.
The alleged offences are said to have occurred between November 2015 and June 2025. Malami has consistently denied all allegations, including claims involving an alleged N12 billion laundering scheme.
In a significant development, a Federal High Court in Abuja recently ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities linked to the former AGF. The order was granted by Justice Emeka Nwite following an ex parte application filed by the EFCC through its counsel, Ekele Iheanacho.
The court ruling has further unsettled Malami’s political base. Checks in Birnin Kebbi revealed visible signs of unease among his supporters. A visit to his residence at Gesse Phase II showed an unusual calm, with the once-busy premises largely deserted. Similarly, activity at the ADC secretariat along Emir Haruna Rasheed Road was minimal, a sharp contrast to the political buzz that followed Malami’s defection.
Observers attribute the lull to growing uncertainty over his legal challenges.
Malami’s political journey since declaring his ambition has been fraught with controversy. In September 2025, he narrowly escaped death when his convoy was attacked by suspected political thugs in Birnin Kebbi shortly after a condolence visit. About 10 vehicles were reportedly destroyed, while several supporters sustained injuries. The incident was widely linked to political rivalry in the state.
Clearing the Path for the Incumbent?
With the unfolding developments, analysts believe Malami is facing serious distractions ahead of the 2027 polls, a situation that could ease the path for the incumbent governor, Nasir Idris. Prior to Malami’s entry into the race, Idris was believed to have no formidable challenger.
The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had already been weakened by the defection of key figures in May 2025, including Senators Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North), and Garba Musa Maidoki (Kebbi South) to the APC. Malami’s emergence initially reshaped the contest, but the momentum now appears stalled.
Malami Camp Cries Persecution
Despite the setbacks, Malami’s supporters have dismissed the EFCC case as politically motivated. His Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Bello Doka, accused the agency of conducting a media trial rather than allowing the courts to decide the matter based on evidence.
“It is disturbing that the EFCC chose to weaponise a routine judicial admonition and spin it into a sensational narrative aimed at tarnishing Malami’s image in the court of public opinion,” Doka said in a statement.
The case has also drawn reactions from national opposition figures. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar accused the EFCC of turning anti-corruption efforts into a tool for political witch-hunts, alleging selective prosecution of opposition figures.
Similarly, the Kebbi State chapter of the ADC condemned Malami’s prosecution, insisting it was aimed at undermining his governorship ambition. The party argued that Malami had not violated any bail conditions and had cooperated fully with investigators.
2027 Outlook
Political analysts say the outcome of Malami’s trial could significantly shape the 2027 Kebbi governorship race. While the Constitution allows him to contest as long as he is not convicted, observers note that his political future will depend largely on his ability to navigate the legal battle, sustain grassroots support, and withstand what has become a fierce trial in the court of public opinion.
Whether Malami can remain politically relevant while defending himself in one of Nigeria’s most high-profile corruption trials remains an open question as the 2027 election cycle approaches.
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