EX-AGF MALAMI EMERGES ADC GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE IN KEBBI DESPITE N8.7B FRAUD TRIAL

May 24, 2026 • Dons Eze • 2 min read

Ex-AGF Malami emerges ADC Governorship Candidate in Kebbi despite N8.7Billion fraud trial

Malami, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, has remained one of Nigeria’s most controversial political figures due to multiple corruption allegations trailing his tenure as Attorney-General.

The embattled former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has announced that he has emerged as the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi State for the 2027 general elections, despite his ongoing corruption trial and bail over alleged multi-billion-naira fraud charges.

The endorsement was announced in a statement issued by Mohammed Bello Doka, Special Assistant on Media to Malami.

Doka stated that ADC’s endorsement of the embattled former AGF as the party’s preferred governorship candidate followed consultations with party leaders, stakeholders and supporters across the state.

The statement read in part: “I sincerely appreciate the confidence and support shown by leaders, stakeholders, and supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi State ahead of the 2027 general elections,” the statement read.

“As we continue consultations and engagements towards building a better future for our people, the following candidates have been affirmed for the respective offices:

“ADC Governorship Candidate for Kebbi State — Dr. Abubakar Malami (SAN). Senatorial Candidate, Kebbi Central — Maj. Gen. Aminu Bande (Rtd). Senatorial Candidate for Kebbi North — DCG Ibrahim Muhammad Mera (Rtd). Senator, Kebbi South — Garba Danjuma Limi.”

Doka added that the party remained committed to “purposeful leadership, good governance, justice, security, and sustainable development for Kebbi State and Nigeria as a whole.”

He is currently being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged money laundering involving N8.7 billion and was granted bail after being arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

The EFCC accused the former minister of abuse of office, money laundering and unlawful enrichment linked to suspicious transactions allegedly carried out while he was in office.

Malami has consistently denied all allegations, insisting that the charges against him are politically motivated.

During his tenure as Attorney-General, Malami faced widespread criticism over several controversial government decisions, including the handling of high-profile corruption cases, controversial pardons, and allegations of shielding politically exposed persons from prosecution.

His emergence as ADC’s governorship candidate will trigger fresh political debates in Kebbi State and beyond, especially amid concerns about corruption and accountability in public office.

Dons Eze

DONS EZE, PhD, Political Philosopher and Journalist of over four decades standing, worked in several newspaper houses across the country, and rose to the positions of Editor and General Manager. A UNESCO Fellow in Journalism, Dr. Dons Eze, a prolific writer and author of many books, attended several courses on Journalism and Communication in both Nigeria and overseas, including a Postgraduate Course on Journalism at Warsaw, Poland; Strategic Communication and Practical Communication Approach at RIPA International, London, the United Kingdom, among others.