Eshioromeh Sebastian
The embattled former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has emerged as the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi State for the 2027 general elections.
Malami, who is currently facing criminal charges of money laundering and illegal firearms possession before the Federal High Court in Abuja, was confirmed by the party as its consensus candidate on Sunday, according to a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Doka.
The party also affirmed retired senior military and security officers for the three senatorial districts in the state.
“I sincerely appreciate the confidence and support shown by leaders, stakeholders, and supporters of the African Democratic Congress in Kebbi State ahead of the 2027 general elections,” the statement quoted Malami as saying.
He further declared that the ADC remained committed to “purposeful leadership, good governance, justice, security, and sustainable development” for Kebbi State and Nigeria as a whole.
For the Kebbi Central Senatorial District, the ADC affirmed Aminu Bande as the candidate, while Ibrahim Mera was endorsed for Kebbi North Senatorial District. Similarly, Garba Limi was affirmed as the party’s candidate for Kebbi South Senatorial District.
The ADC also called on its members and supporters to remain united and determined in pursuit of what it described as a prosperous future for generations to come.
In a related development, a former member of the House of Representatives, Zakari Mohammed, won the ADC governorship ticket in Kwara State as the sole aspirant, having polled 18,860 votes in a direct primary held over the weekend. The collation of results and announcement of the names of the party’s candidates at the state ADC secretariat was monitored by a team from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Malami’s Ongoing Criminal Charges
Former AGF Abubakar Malami is currently facing multiple criminal charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.
N8.7 Billion Money Laundering Case
Malami, alongside his wife, Hajia Asabe Bashir, and son, Abdulaziz, is standing trial on an amended 16-count charge of money laundering involving N8,713,923,759.49 (approximately $11.6 million). The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleges that the trio engaged in conspiracy, concealment, and laundering of proceeds from unlawful activities.
On May 23, 2026, the trial was stalled due to the absence of Malami’s lead counsel, Mr Joseph Daudu (SAN), who had written to the court seeking an adjournment. Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter to June 23, 2026, for continuation of trial. The defendants were re-arraigned on February 27, 2026, and have all pleaded not guilty. They were granted bail of N500 million each with two sureties, and their international passports were surrendered to the court.
Illegal Firearms Possession Case
In a separate case, the Nigerian authorities dropped terrorism financing charges against Malami in April 2026. However, a revised charge sheet was filed, focusing solely on the alleged illegal possession of firearms. The amended charge states that weapons and live cartridges were recovered from Malami’s residence in Birnin Kebbi. Malami and his son, Abdulaziz, pleaded not guilty to this charge. This case has been adjourned until May 26, 2026 (today), for trial.
EFCC Seeks Forfeiture of 57 Properties
Beyond the criminal charges, the EFCC is also pursuing a non-conviction based forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to Malami. The properties, spread across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna, include assets tied to Rayhaan University in Kebbi. The EFCC estimates their total value at N213.2 billion.
An EFCC investigator’s affidavit revealed that Malami’s declared earnings from 2015 to 2023—comprising N89.6 million in salaries, N12.1 million severance pay, and N253.6 million in estacode payments—were grossly inconsistent with the value of the assets under probe. A motion for final forfeiture is currently pending before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.
Malami’s Defense
Malami has consistently described his prosecution as politically motivated.
He claims the charges were instigated because he left the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Despite the legal battles, Malami has forged ahead with his governorship ambition.
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