The political ambitions of Abubakar Malami, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, are facing significant challenges due to his ongoing legal battle with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Malami’s camp has been thrown into disarray, potentially jeopardizing his 2027 governorship bid in Kebbi State.
In July 2025, Malami left the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and announced his intention to run for governor, pledging to “restore hope” to the state. The move was met with mixed reactions, with some supporters hailing it as a bold step and others criticizing his eligibility due to pending charges against him.
Malami was arrested by the EFCC in December 2025 on allegations of money laundering and abuse of office, alongside his son and an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Limited. The EFCC is prosecuting them over conspiracy and concealment of proceeds of unlawful activities totaling billions of naira, committed between November 2015 and June 2025. Malami has consistently denied the allegations, including claims involving N12 billion allegedly laundered.
A Federal High Court in Abuja recently ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities linked to Malami. The court development has further unsettled his political camp, with supporters in Kebbi State left in confusion following his arrest and detention. The ADC secretariat in Birnin Kebbi has also shown minimal activity, attributed to the uncertainty surrounding Malami’s legal troubles.
The outcome of Malami’s trial is expected to significantly influence the dynamics of the 2027 Kebbi governorship race. While constitutional provisions allow him to contest as long as he is not convicted, analysts note that his 2026 political trajectory will be shaped by his ability to secure bail, sustain grassroots mobilization, and manage public opinion. The central question remains whether Malami can maintain political relevance while defending himself in a high-profile corruption trial.
Malami’s supporters have dismissed the developments as a media trial and political persecution, alleging that the EFCC is weaponizing a routine judicial process to tarnish his image. The Kebbi State chapter of the ADC has also condemned Malami’s prosecution, describing it as politically motivated and aimed at undermining his governorship ambition. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the EFCC of turning the fight against corruption into a “full-blown political witch-hunt,” alleging selective prosecution of opposition figures.
