Kebbi 2027: Malami’s camp in disarray as court case cripples guber ambition
The political camp of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has been thrown into disarray following his ongoing legal battle with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, a development widely seen as a major setback to his 2027 governorship ambition in Kebbi State.
Recall that in July 2025, Malami dumped the All Progressives Congress, APC, for the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 Kebbi governorship election, promising to “restore hope” to the state.
His declaration was greeted with mixed reactions across Kebbi.
While many of his supporters applauded the move and described it as a bold and welcome development, critics insisted that his ambition was “dead on arrival.”
Among the most vocal critics was Yahya Sarki, Chief Press Secretary to Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, who openly questioned Malami’s eligibility to contest for any elective office.
Saraki argued that the former AGF “lacks the integrity” to seek public office, citing the pending 16-count charges against him.
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 EFCC is prosecuting Malami alongside his son, Abdulaziz Malami, and an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Limited, Hajia Asabe Bashir, over allegations of conspiracy and concealment of proceeds of unlawful activities amounting to billions of naira.
The alleged offences are said to have been committed between November 2015 and June 2025. Malami has consistently denied all the allegations, including claims involving N12 billion allegedly laundered.
However, a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja recently ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities allegedly 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 development has further unsettled Malami’s political camp.
SOCIETYWATCH gathered that Malami’s supporters in Kebbi State have been left in confusion following his arrest and detention.
A visit to his residence at Gesse Phase II, Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday, showed an unusual calm, as the once-busy mansion was almost deserted.
A few individuals seen around the premises spoke in hushed tones, apparently discussing the former AGF’s ordeal. Attempts to speak with them were declined.
Similarly, a visit to the ADC secretariat along Emir Haruna Rasheed Road in Birnin Kebbi revealed minimal activity, a sharp contrast to the usual political bustle since Malami joined the party.
Many attributed the lull to the uncertainty surrounding Malami’s legal trouble.
