Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has made a dramatic and politically charged return to the governorship arena, declaring a self-styled state of emergency on what he described as entrenched misgovernance in Kebbi State and formally picking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship nomination form ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Malami’s explosive declaration and his decision to obtain the ADC nomination form represent one of the most consequential political developments in Kebbi State’s recent history — signalling the former AGF’s unambiguous determination to challenge the incumbent administration and offer the people of Kebbi State what he describes as a credible, experienced, and results-driven alternative governance option.
“Kebbi State is in a state of emergency — not declared by government, but imposed by misgovernance, neglect, and the failure of leadership to deliver on the basic aspirations of our people,” Malami declared in a statement that immediately resonated with residents suffering from the state’s worsening electricity crisis, infrastructure decay, and economic hardship.
The former AGF, who served as one of the most powerful members of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet between 2015 and 2023, brings enormous legal gravitas, federal government experience, national political connections, and deep grassroots roots in Kebbi State to his governorship bid — making him an immediately formidable and credible contender whose entry into the race fundamentally reshapes the 2027 Kebbi governorship dynamics.
His decision to contest under the ADC platform rather than the APC — the party under which he previously operated — signals a significant and deliberate break from the ruling party’s structure in Kebbi State, reflecting his assessment that the ADC provides the most viable and independent platform from which to prosecute his governorship campaign.
Political observers in Kebbi State note that Malami’s entry into the governorship race will inject fresh energy, heightened competitiveness, and national attention into what might otherwise have been a predictable electoral contest — with the former AGF’s considerable personal brand and political network capable of mobilising significant voter support across Kebbi’s local government areas.
Residents of Kebbi State, still groaning under the weight of a devastating electricity crisis and deteriorating public services, have expressed cautious optimism about Malami’s declaration — with many hoping that his entry into the race will compel the incumbent administration to accelerate service delivery and address the state’s most pressing governance failures.
The 2027 Kebbi State governorship race has officially become one of the most watched and most consequential governorship contests in Nigeria’s Northwest geopolitical zone.
All rights reserved ©2026 CDA News Nigeria.
For news tips or inquiries, contact info@cdanews.ng or visit our headquarters at 348 Ikwerre Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
