The political camp of former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has been thrown into uncertainty following his ongoing legal battle with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, a development widely viewed as a major setback to his 2027 governorship ambition in Kebbi State.
In July 2025, Malami defected from the All Progressives Congress APC to the African Democratic Congress ADC and formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 Kebbi governorship election, pledging to “restore hope” to the state. His declaration attracted mixed reactions across Kebbi State, with supporters welcoming the move as bold while critics described 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 openly questioned Malami’s eligibility to seek elective office. Sarki argued that the former Attorney General “lacks the integrity” to contest, 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, on 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 allegations, including claims involving N12 billion allegedly laundered.
However, a Federal High Court in Abuja recently ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities allegedly linked to the former Attorney General. The order was granted by Justice Emeka Nwite following an ex parte application filed by the EFCC through its counsel, Ekele Iheanacho.
This court ruling has further unsettled Malami’s political camp. Supporters in Kebbi State have reportedly been left confused following his arrest and detention. A visit to his residence at Gesse Phase II in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday revealed an unusual calm, with the once active premises largely deserted. Individuals seen around the residence declined comment and spoke in hushed tones.
Similarly, activity at the ADC secretariat along Emir Haruna Rasheed Road in Birnin Kebbi was minimal, a sharp contrast to the usual bustle that followed Malami’s defection to the party. Many party members attributed the lull to uncertainty surrounding his legal challenges.
Malami has remained at the centre of political controversy since announcing his governorship ambition. In September 2025, he narrowly escaped death when his convoy was attacked by suspected political thugs in Birnin Kebbi shortly after returning from a condolence visit. About 10 vehicles were reportedly destroyed and several supporters injured. Political observers linked the incident to opponents allegedly seeking to weaken his political momentum.
Clearing the field for the incumbent
With the unfolding developments, analysts believe Malami is facing serious distractions ahead of the 2027 elections, a situation that could potentially clear the path for the incumbent governor, Nasir Idris.
Before Malami’s defection to the ADC, Governor Idris was widely believed to face no serious opposition. The Peoples Democratic Party PDP had weakened significantly following the defection of key figures in May 2025, including Senators Adamu Aliero of Kebbi Central, Yahaya Abdullahi of Kebbi North and Garba Musa Maidoki of Kebbi South to the APC.
Malami’s entry into the race initially altered the political equation, but the ongoing court case appears to have stalled his momentum.
Malami camp alleges persecution
Despite the developments, Malami’s supporters have dismissed the situation as political persecution and a media trial. Mohammed Bello Doka, Special Assistant on Media to Malami, alleged that his principal was being unfairly targeted.
“It is therefore 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.
“This approach further reinforces our long held position that the EFCC is persisting in a media trial rather than allowing the case to be determined strictly on the basis of evidence and due process before the court,” he added.
The case has also drawn criticism from opposition figures nationwide. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar accused the EFCC of turning the fight against corruption into “a full blown political witch hunt,” alleging selective prosecution of opposition figures.
“The politicisation of corruption investigations has rendered the EFCC’s credibility suspect and rubbished the ideals that inspired its establishment,” Atiku said.
He further alleged that the agency became “suddenly hyperactive” following the emergence of the ADC as a strong opposition platform, targeting figures such as Malami and former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.
The Kebbi State chapter of the ADC also condemned Malami’s prosecution, describing it as politically motivated and aimed at undermining his governorship ambition.
“From all available evidence, Malami did not violate any of the legal conditions attached to his initial bail,” the party stated.
“As a senior lawyer and former number one law officer in the country, he understands what it means to violate bail conditions. However, what he probably did not understand was that attending a political gathering in furtherance of his governorship ambition in his home state of Kebbi could be the basis for revoking his bail by the EFCC, even though he has cooperated fully with the agency’s investigators,” the statement added.
2027 outlook
Political observers say the outcome of Malami’s trial could significantly shape the dynamics of the 2027 Kebbi governorship race. While constitutional provisions allow him to contest if he is not convicted, analysts note that his political future in 2026 will depend largely on his ability to secure bail, sustain grassroots mobilisation and manage what many describe as a growing trial by public opinion.
The central question remains whether Malami can maintain political relevance while defending himself in what is emerging as one of the most consequential corruption trials in recent Nigerian history.
