EFCC trial throws Malami’s 2027 Kebbi governorship ambition into uncertainty

The political camp of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has been thrown into confusion following his ongoing legal battle with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), a development widely viewed as a major setback to his ambition to contest the 2027 governorship election in Kebbi State.

Malami had in July 2025 defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), formally declaring his intention to run for the state’s top office with a promise to “restore hope” to Kebbi.

His declaration initially altered the political landscape in the state, drawing both support and sharp criticism.

While his loyalists hailed the move as bold and timely, critics dismissed his ambition as “dead on arrival.” Among the most vocal was Yahya Sarki, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Nasir Idris, who openly questioned Malami’s eligibility for elective office, citing what he described as integrity concerns and the weight of pending corruption allegations.

Barely four months after declaring his ambition, Malami was arrested by the EFCC on December 8, 2025, over allegations bordering on money laundering and abuse of office.

The anti-graft agency is prosecuting him alongside his son, Abdulaziz Malami, and an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Limited, Hajia Asabe Bashir, on charges of conspiracy and concealment of proceeds of unlawful activities allegedly running into billions of naira.

The alleged offences are said to have occurred between November 2015 and June 2025. Malami has consistently denied the allegations, including claims involving the laundering of N12 billion.

In a major twist, a Federal High Court in Abuja recently ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities linked to the former Attorney-General.

The order was granted by Justice Emeka Nwite following an ex parte application filed by the EFCC through its counsel, Ekele Iheanacho.

READ ALSO: Court grants N500m bail to ex-AGF Abubakar Malami, son, wife

The court ruling has further unsettled Malami’s political base in Kebbi State. Findings revealed growing uncertainty among his supporters following his arrest and detention.

A visit to his residence at Gesse Phase II in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday showed an unusual calm, with the once-busy premises largely deserted.

Similarly, activity at the ADC secretariat along Emir Haruna Rasheed Road in Birnin Kebbi was noticeably subdued, a sharp contrast to the heightened political engagement that followed Malami’s defection to the party. Party members attributed the lull to uncertainty surrounding his legal challenges.

Malami has remained in the spotlight since declaring his governorship ambition. In September 2025, he narrowly escaped death when his convoy was attacked by suspected political thugs in Birnin Kebbi shortly after a condolence visit.

About 10 vehicles were reportedly destroyed, while several supporters sustained injuries. Political observers linked the attack to attempts by opponents to weaken his growing influence in the state.

Analysts now say Malami’s legal troubles pose serious distractions ahead of the 2027 elections and could clear the path for the incumbent governor, Nasir Idris, who was previously believed to face no serious challenge.

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had already been weakened by the defection of key figures to the APC in May 2025, including Senators Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi and Garba Musa Maidoki.

Malami’s entry into the race initially reshaped the opposition dynamics, but the momentum appears to have stalled amid the unfolding court case.

Despite the setback, Malami’s supporters insist the charges are politically motivated. His Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Bello Doka, accused the EFCC of subjecting his principal to a media trial and political persecution.

“It is disturbing that the EFCC chose to weaponize a routine judicial admonition and spin it into a sensational narrative aimed at tarnishing Malami’s image in the court of public opinion,” Doka said in a statement, adding that the agency should allow the matter to be determined strictly on evidence and due process.

The case has also drawn reactions from national opposition figures. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar accused the EFCC of turning the anti-corruption fight into a “full-blown political witch-hunt,” alleging selective prosecution of opposition figures.

READ ALSO: EFCC links Malami’s wealth to Paris Club refunds, CBN loans, Abacha loot

He claimed the agency became “suddenly hyperactive” following the emergence of the ADC as a strong opposition platform.

The Kebbi State chapter of the ADC similarly condemned Malami’s prosecution, describing it as an attempt to undermine his governorship ambition. The party insisted that Malami had not violated any bail conditions and accused the EFCC of politicising routine legal processes.

Political analysts say the outcome of Malami’s trial could significantly shape the 2027 Kebbi governorship race.

Although constitutional provisions allow him to contest elections unless convicted, observers note that his political future will depend largely on his ability to secure bail, maintain grassroots mobilisation and manage what many describe as a growing “trial by public opinion.”

As legal proceedings continue, the central question remains whether Malami can sustain political relevance while defending himself in what is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched corruption trials in recent Nigerian political history.