Abubakar Malami, the former Attorney‑General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, is seeing his political ambitions hampered by an ongoing legal battle with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The dispute has thrown his camp into disarray and threatens 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 elicited mixed reactions: some supporters praised it as bold, while others questioned his eligibility because of pending charges.
The EFCC arrested Malami in December 2025 on allegations of money laundering and abuse of office, alongside his son and an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Limited. Prosecutors allege a conspiracy to conceal proceeds of unlawful activities amounting to billions of naira between November 2015 and June 2025. Malami has consistently denied the accusations, including claims that he laundered N12 billion.
A Federal High Court in Abuja recently ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties suspected of being proceeds of unlawful activities linked to Malami. This development has further unsettled his political camp, leaving supporters in Kebbi State confused after his arrest and detention. The ADC secretariat in Birnin Kebbi has shown minimal activity, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding his legal troubles.
The outcome of Malami’s trial is expected to significantly influence the dynamics of the 2027 Kebbi governorship race. Although constitutional provisions allow him to contest as long as he is not convicted, analysts note that his 2026 political trajectory will depend on securing bail, sustaining grassroots mobilization, and managing public opinion. The central question is whether Malami can maintain political relevance while defending himself in a high‑profile corruption case.
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 the prosecution as politically motivated and aimed at undermining his governorship ambition. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar echoed these sentiments, accusing the EFCC of turning the fight against corruption into a “full‑blown political witch‑hunt” and of selectively prosecuting opposition figures.
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