Former Attorney General and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, SAN, has secured the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ticket for the 2027 Kebbi State governorship election. In a statement posted on his official Facebook page on Saturday, Malami declared a “state of emergency on misgovernance” in Kebbi and announced his candidacy, citing deteriorating security, rising poverty, declining education and worsening health outcomes as the drivers behind his decision to contest.
Malami highlighted a series of socio‑economic indicators to underscore the crisis in the north‑western state. He said that more than 67 percent of children aged 6‑15 are out of school and that over 88 percent of the state’s children live in multidimensional poverty. The former minister also claimed that hundreds of severely malnourished children died within a nine‑month period in 2025 and warned that maternal mortality and under‑five health indicators remain critical due to limited access to healthcare in rural areas.
Security, according to Malami, has also deteriorated. He cited recurring bandit attacks, kidnappings, the displacement of farmers and a decline in economic activity across several zones of Kebbi. The former minister linked these challenges to what he described as “misplaced priorities” and the collapse of key public sectors.
In his declaration, Malami pledged that, if elected, his administration would prioritise security, education, health, agriculture, youth empowerment and governance reforms. He framed his entry into the race as a commitment to public service, accountability and sustainable development, urging an end to what he termed “poor leadership and propaganda” in the state.
The ADC nomination positions Malami as a prominent challenger in the upcoming 2027 governorship race, where incumbent Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of the People’s Democratic Party is expected to seek re‑election. Observers note that Malami’s legal background and previous role in the federal cabinet could reshape the political dynamics in Kebbi, a state traditionally dominated by the ruling party.
The next steps include the ADC’s formal endorsement of Malami’s candidacy and the commencement of campaign activities ahead of the 2027 election timetable. Stakeholders and voters will be watching closely to see whether Malami’s platform can translate into electoral support and address the highlighted governance and humanitarian challenges.
