The Kebbi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly denied allegations made by former Justice Minister Abubakar Malami, turning the tables by accusing him of being the one who imported political thugs to cause trouble in the state.
This comes after Malami, who recently left the APC for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), sent a petition to Nigeria’s top security agencies. In it, he accused Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris and other APC leaders of being involved in bringing in thugs and illegal arms deals. Malami claimed this was a plot to destabilise the state, linking it to a recent attack on his convoy.
However, the APC National Assembly caucus from Kebbi State has now hit back, calling Malami’s claims “false, unfounded and politically motivated.” The group held a meeting in Abuja on Friday to address what they describe as a smear campaign.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Senator Adamu Aliero presented a very different story. He alleged that it was actually Malami who brought in outsiders to cause violence during a recent visit to the state capital, Birnin Kebbi.
“Ironically, it is on record that during Malami’s recent condolence visit to Birnin Kebbi, he hired thugs from Sokoto, Koko and Rara to accompany him into the state capital,” Aliero stated. “These thugs, under his watch, attacked the APC State Secretariat with stones while chanting “One term” against the Governor.”
The lawmakers claimed this incident led to violent clashes and was an unprecedented event in Kebbi’s typically peaceful politics. They insisted that the state government has never been involved with terrorist groups or illegal arms deals, as Malami suggested.
Instead, the APC caucus praised Governor Idris’s efforts on security, calling Kebbi “one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria today.” They argued that Malami’s petition is a “desperate attempt” to undermine the governor and the ruling party now that he has switched to the opposition.
The group called on the public and security agencies to see the petition for what they believe it truly is: a political tool. They urged security officials to focus on genuine threats and not be drawn into what they called “partisan theatrics.”
“Resorting to alarmist narratives and unverified claims about foreign mercenaries and terrorism is not only irresponsible but also reckless, especially coming from a former top law officer of the federation,” Aliero added.
The caucus ended by reaffirming its full support for Governor Idris and the state’s APC administration. They pledged to continue working for good governance and peace in Kebbi, dismissing Malami’s allegations as a sign of his “dwindling political relevance.”
The public war of words highlights the growing political tensions in the state as different parties position themselves for the next election cycle in 2027.
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