By Kunle Sanni –
Former attorney-general of the federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, has officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Kebbi State, setting the stage for what is expected to be a high-stakes political battle.
Malami made the announcement during an interview with DCL Hausa on Monday, saying he had reached a firm decision to run and was confident of widespread support across the state.
“INEC guidelines do not allow mobilisation at this stage, but when the time comes, you will see that we have the support of the people of Kebbi State,” he said. “I have agreed to contest, and there is no retreat. God willing, we are going to win because we have people who believe in us, and we will not let them down.”
The former minister, who resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in July and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), criticised the ruling party for what he described as worsening hardship in the country, especially in the north.
Malami said insecurity had forced many farmers in Kebbi to abandon their farmlands, crippling agricultural production and leading to the closure of long-standing rice mills. He blamed the situation on “negligence” by both state and federal authorities and on “bad policies” that favour foreign companies over local producers.
“Rice mills that operated actively for 20 years have shut down,” he lamented. “My ambition is to salvage Kebbi State from insecurity, restore and revive farming, and protect the interests of the people.”
He dismissed suggestions that his governorship bid was driven by personal interest, insisting that it was a “rescue mission” motivated by concern for citizens facing economic hardship.
Malami said his defection to the ADC followed “wide consultations and deep personal reflection,” adding that leaving the APC was necessary because of his “love for the nation” and the worsening living conditions of Nigerians.
