Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has formally stepped into the 2027 Kebbi State governorship race after obtaining the nomination form of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, a move that is already generating intense political reactions across the state and beyond. The declaration marks one of the biggest opposition entries into the upcoming governorship contest and signals a major political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.
Malami, who served as Nigeria’s chief law officer under former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2015 to 2023, announced his decision through statements shared on his social media platforms, where he accused the current administration in Kebbi State of failing to adequately address insecurity, poverty, poor healthcare, declining educational standards and worsening economic hardship affecting residents of the state.
According to the former minister, Kebbi State is currently facing what he described as one of the most severe governance and humanitarian crises in Nigeria. He alleged that insecurity and banditry have continued to devastate local communities, forcing many farmers to abandon their farmlands while businesses struggle to survive amid fear and uncertainty. He also pointed to rising poverty levels and the growing number of out of school children as evidence that urgent political change is needed in the state. ..READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
Malami claimed that more than 67 percent of children between the ages of six and fifteen in Kebbi State are reportedly out of school, while over 88 percent of children in the state are said to be living in multidimensional poverty. He further raised concerns over maternal mortality and poor healthcare delivery in rural communities where many residents allegedly lack access to proper medical services and antenatal care.
Declaring what he called a “State of Emergency on Misgovernance,” the former AGF promised to prioritise security, agriculture, healthcare, education and youth empowerment if elected governor in 2027. He insisted that Kebbi people deserve accountable leadership focused on practical governance rather than political propaganda and empty promises.
Malami’s entry into the race is particularly significant because of his longstanding influence in northern politics and his close association with the Buhari administration. Before becoming Attorney General, he was actively involved in the formation of the All Progressives Congress and had previously shown interest in Kebbi governorship politics years earlier before stepping aside during earlier APC political arrangements.
Political analysts believe his decision to contest under the ADC could alter the balance of power in Kebbi State, especially as opposition parties continue efforts to strengthen their structures ahead of the 2027 elections. The ADC itself has recently witnessed increased activity involving prominent politicians across Nigeria following the movement of several heavyweight political figures into the party ahead of the next election cycle.
However, Malami’s declaration has also triggered sharp criticism from the Kebbi State Government. In a swift reaction, state officials accused the former minister of political hypocrisy, arguing that many leaders who served at the federal level between 2015 and 2023 failed to solve the very problems they now criticise. The government alleged that Malami and several former officials ignored worsening insecurity and socio economic hardship while they occupied powerful positions in Abuja.
The state government further accused some former federal office holders of enriching themselves while ordinary Nigerians struggled with economic hardship and insecurity. Officials
