As the 2027 general elections draw nearer, fresh political alignments are taking shape in Kebbi State, with former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), emerging as a potential governorship contender.
Multiple political sources have confirmed to DAILY POST that the Social Democratic Party (SDP) is actively courting Malami to dump the All Progressives Congress (APC) and fly its flag in the 2027 governorship race. The move is reportedly being spearheaded by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who is believed to be building a wider northern political coalition.
Although Malami is yet to make a definitive move, insiders say he has been offered a direct SDP ticket with full backing from El-Rufai. A source close to the former AGF revealed that he was initially scheduled to announce his defection alongside ex-Ekiti Governor Kayode Fayemi in April but has held back, preferring to observe the direction of the APC in Kebbi State under Governor Nasir Idris.
“Malami is carefully watching the governor,” the source said. “If Idris remains in the APC, Malami may defect. But if the governor leaves the ruling party, Malami could stay and fight for the ticket within.”
The stakes rose further after unconfirmed reports suggested Governor Idris may be flirting with an opposition alliance led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The governor, however, has dismissed the claims, insisting he remains loyal to the APC, declaring, “I’ll be the last man standing.”
An official in the governor’s cabinet also downplayed the rumours, stating that while there is pressure from opposition quarters, Governor Idris has no intention of leaving the ruling party. “Governors are defecting to the APC, not from it. Why would a sitting governor who enjoys federal backing leave?” the official queried.
Meanwhile, political operatives confirmed that El-Rufai recently met with Malami and other northern stakeholders in Katsina as part of a broader plan to challenge the Tinubu-led APC in 2027. “El-Rufai is plotting beyond Kebbi. Malami is key to his Kebbi blueprint,” a senior SDP insider said.
Still, El-Rufai’s own national acceptability — particularly in the South — remains in question, prompting Malami to proceed with caution. Some analysts suggest the former Kaduna governor’s switch to the SDP may have been a calculated effort to sabotage PDP coalition efforts and covertly strengthen Tinubu’s hold on the presidency.
Back home, Malami’s ambition is not without friction. Tensions have been simmering between him and Governor Idris, with political observers noting a cold war fueled by rivalry for control of Kebbi’s political structure.
Governor Idris, who once enjoyed mass popularity, is now facing criticism over rising insecurity in parts of the state, especially Zuru and Danko-Wasagu, and what many describe as slow development. Analysts say these shortcomings could create an opening for a well-backed challenger like Malami.
However, APC loyalists have dismissed Malami’s prospects. “You don’t substitute your best player in the middle of a match,” said Kabir Mustapha, a former ANPP secretary in Bagudo West. “A hundred Malamis can’t match Governor Idris.”
While Malami enjoys pockets of strong support in Birnin Kebbi, Argungu, and Gwandu — areas where traditional rulers and political allies have long backed him — his wider acceptability remains uncertain due to lingering controversies from his time in the Buhari cabinet.
The political rivalry took a sharp turn recently with the arrest of Mukhtar Dan Baturiya, a known Malami supporter, after a Facebook post hinting at a possible defection by Governor Idris. The arrest, reportedly linked to political tensions, has deepened the divide ahead of the polls.
With two years to the election, the stage is being set for a high-stakes battle in Kebbi. Should Malami officially defect to the SDP with El-Rufai’s full endorsement, the 2027 governorship race may become one of the most fiercely contested in Nigeria’s North-West region.
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