EFCC Case Throws Malami’s 2027 Kebbi Governorship Ambition Into Uncertainty
The political structure backing former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has slipped into uncertainty amid his deepening legal confrontation with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), a development many political watchers see as a major blow to his 2027 governorship aspiration in Kebbi State.
In July 2025, Malami exited the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where he formally announced his intention to contest the 2027 Kebbi governorship election, pledging to “bring back hope and purposeful leadership” to the state. The declaration immediately reshaped the political conversation in Kebbi, drawing both applause and sharp criticism.
While loyalists welcomed the move as courageous and timely, critics maintained that his ambition was effectively stalled from the outset. One of the loudest dissenting voices was Yahya Sarki, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Nasir Idris, who publicly questioned Malami’s moral standing to seek elective office. Sarki argued that the former AGF “does not possess the ethical credibility required for public trust,” pointing to the multiple charges hanging over him.
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. PulseNets learnt that the anti-graft agency is prosecuting him alongside his son, Abdulaziz Malami, and an official of Rahamaniyya Properties Limited, Hajia Asabe Bashir, on allegations of conspiracy and concealment of proceeds of unlawful activities allegedly running into several billions of naira.
The alleged offences, according to court filings obtained by PulseNets, were committed between November 2015 and June 2025. Malami has consistently denied all accusations, including claims relating to the alleged laundering of N12 billion.
However, a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja recently ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities allegedly linked to the former AGF. The order was granted by Justice Emeka Nwite following an ex parte application filed by the EFCC through its counsel, Ekele Iheanacho.
This court decision has further unsettled Malami’s political camp. PulseNets gathered that supporters of the former minister across Kebbi State have been thrown into confusion following his arrest and continued detention.
A visit by PulseNets to Malami’s residence at Gesse Phase II, Birnin Kebbi, revealed an unusual quietness, as the once-busy compound appeared largely deserted. A few individuals sighted within the premises spoke in low tones, apparently discussing the unfolding situation, but declined to comment when approached.
Similarly, PulseNets observed minimal activity at the ADC secretariat along Emir Haruna Rasheed Road, Birnin Kebbi, a stark contrast to the political buzz that followed Malami’s defection to the party. Party insiders privately attributed the lull to uncertainty surrounding his legal challenges.
Malami has remained at the centre of political tension since declaring his governorship ambition. PulseNets recalls that in September 2025, he narrowly escaped death when his convoy was attacked by suspected political thugs in Birnin Kebbi. The incident occurred shortly after a condolence visit, with about ten vehicles vandalised and several supporters injured. Political observers at the time linked the attack to efforts by opponents allegedly determined to weaken his political rise.
Clearing the field for the incumbent?
With the unfolding legal and political developments, analysts believe Malami is grappling with significant distractions ahead of the 2027 polls, a situation that could inadvertently strengthen the position of incumbent Governor Nasir Idris. Before Malami’s defection to the ADC, Idris was widely viewed as facing no formidable challenger.
The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had already been weakened by the defection of key figures in May 2025, including Senators Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North), and Garba Musa Maidoki (Kebbi South) to the APC. Malami’s entry into the race initially altered the political equation, but the ongoing court case now appears to have slowed that momentum.
Malami camp cries persecution
Despite the setbacks, Malami’s supporters have dismissed the EFCC action as politically motivated. Mohammed Bello Doka, Special Assistant on Media to Malami, told PulseNets that his principal was being unfairly targeted.
He stated, “It is deeply troubling that the EFCC has chosen to twist a routine judicial observation into a dramatic media narrative designed to damage Malami’s reputation before the public.”
Doka added, “This only strengthens our long-standing position that what is ongoing is a media-driven prosecution, rather than a fair process anchored on evidence and due process before the court.”
The case has also drawn reactions from prominent opposition figures nationwide. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar accused the EFCC of converting anti-corruption efforts into “an outright political vendetta,” alleging selective prosecution of opposition figures.
According to Atiku, “The excessive politicisation of corruption investigations has severely damaged the credibility of the EFCC and undermined the principles upon which it was founded.” He further claimed that the agency became “unusually aggressive” following the emergence of the ADC as a viable opposition platform, allegedly targeting figures such as Malami and former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.
The Kebbi State chapter of the ADC also condemned Malami’s prosecution, describing it as a calculated attempt to frustrate his governorship ambition.
The party said, “From every indication available to us, Malami did not breach any of the legal conditions attached to his bail.”
It added, “As a senior legal practitioner and former chief law officer of the federation, he understands the implications of violating bail conditions. What he likely did not anticipate was that participating in political engagements in his home state could suddenly be interpreted as grounds for bail revocation, despite his full cooperation with investigators.”
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Political analysts told PulseNets that the outcome of Malami’s trial could play a decisive role in shaping the 2027 Kebbi governorship contest. While constitutional provisions permit him to contest unless convicted, observers note that his political future in 2026 will depend largely on his ability to secure bail, sustain grassroots mobilisation, and manage what many describe as a growing “trial by public perception.”
The lingering question is whether Abubakar Malami can remain politically relevant while simultaneously defending himself in what is fast becoming one of the most closely watched corruption trials in Nigeria’s recent history.
