ADC in Kebbi Claims Malami's Prosecution is Politically Driven

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi State has claimed that the investigation and prosecution of its governorship candidate, Abubakar Malami (SAN), is politically driven. The party insists it will not be cowed ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The ADC made this known in a statement signed by its State Chairman, Sufiyanu Bala, and the Chairman of the ADC Elders Forum, Alhaji Shehu Sambawa, in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday.

While the party supports lawful investigations, it accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using state agencies to weaken opposition parties. “We are not against lawful investigation, arraignment, or prosecution of any suspect, but we see the ongoing Gestapo tactics aimed at silencing opposition members across the country,” the statement said.

The ADC added, “No level of political persecution, suppression, blackmail, or intimidation will distract us from our main goal, which is to defeat the discredited APC Government in the 2027 General Elections.”

The party accused the authorities of orchestrating the petition, investigation, arrest, detention, and prosecution of Malami to achieve “a predetermined goal,” calling the entire process politically motivated.

According to the ADC, Malami was arrested over what they termed a bailable offense, and his properties were allegedly searched without his presence.

“It is clear that the petition, investigation, arrest, detention, and prosecution of Malami, SAN, are designed and orchestrated to achieve a specific aim,” the statement continued.

The ADC also pointed out that the claims regarding Malami's assets did not consider his personal and family background before he was appointed Attorney-General.

“The good thing about Malami’s case is that those prosecuting him do not have the final say on the accusations against him. We are confident that the appellate court will deliver justice,” it stated.

Reaffirming its support for Malami, the ADC declared that its members in Kebbi State remain united behind him despite the legal troubles.

“We want to say clearly that all members of the ADC, Kebbi State Chapter, are fully behind our Party Leader and Gubernatorial Candidate, come what may,” the statement added.

The party also vowed that “no amount of blackmail, harassment, intimidation, name-calling, or media trial will stop our firm commitment” to unseat the APC in the 2027 elections.

The ADC described the challenges its members face as necessary sacrifices for restoring democracy. It stated that it will continue its political activities despite what it called intimidation.

Malami was Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice from 2015 to 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari. He is the ADC’s governorship candidate for the 2027 election in Kebbi State.

His investigation and prosecution have drawn political responses, with the ADC arguing that the legal actions are politically motivated. In contrast, anti-graft agencies insist that their investigations and prosecutions are based on evidence and follow the law, regardless of political affiliation. The case is still in court.