Malami Clinches ADC Governorship Ticket Amid Ongoing N8.7 Billion Fraud Trial!

Malami Clinches ADC Governorship Ticket Amid Ongoing N8.7 Billion Fraud Trial!

Reported by Fasesan Marian opeyemi | Editor-in-Chief | Journalist at Sele Media Africa.

ABUJA, Nigeria — Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has secured the governorship ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi State, a development that has sharpened political tensions ahead of the 2027 elections. Malami’s victory comes as he faces an ongoing N8.7 billion fraud trial linked to allegations of financial misconduct during his tenure as Nigeria’s chief law officer.

Malami defeated two other contenders at the ADC primary election held in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital, on Saturday. The former minister’s emergence has ignited a fierce debate about the intersection of legal accountability and political ambition in Nigeria, with critics questioning the propriety of his candidacy while a criminal case remains unresolved in court.

The Primary and Its Immediate Fallout

The ADC primary election, supervised by officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saw Malami secure 1,204 votes against 342 votes for his closest rival, Alhaji Sani Dangaladima. A third aspirant, Alhaji Kabiru Yusuf, polled 98 votes. Malami’s acceptance speech focused on his vision for Kebbi State, emphasising economic development, infrastructure, and youth empowerment.

“We must build a Kebbi State that works for everyone. Our focus will be on agriculture, education, and creating opportunities for our young people,” Malami told delegates after the result was announced.

However, the political atmosphere in Birnin Kebbi remained charged, with opposition figures and civil society groups immediately questioning the former minister’s suitability to lead the state while standing trial for alleged corruption.

The N8.7 Billion Fraud Case: A Lingering Cloud

Malami is currently facing trial at a Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations that he diverted N8.7 billion belonging to the Nigerian government during his time as Attorney-General. The charges, filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), include money laundering, criminal breach of trust, and conspiracy.

According to court documents, the EFCC alleges that Malami authorised the transfer of public funds to private accounts and used his position to award contracts to companies in which he held indirect interests. The case has been ongoing since 2024, with the prosecution presenting several witnesses, including former officials from the Ministry of Justice and financial institutions.

Malami has consistently denied all charges, describing them as politically motivated. His legal team has filed multiple applications to quash the charges, arguing that the EFCC lacks jurisdiction over certain counts. The trial is currently adjourned to July 2026 for continuation of hearing.

Political Analysis: Power, Legitimacy, and Legal Ambiguity

Malami’s candidacy raises fundamental questions about the relationship between legal presumption and political eligibility in Nigeria. Under Nigerian law, the presumption of innocence until proven guilty applies to all citizens, including those contesting elections. The Constitution does not bar individuals facing criminal charges from seeking public office unless they have been convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for at least two years.

This legal reality has created a recurring pattern in Nigerian politics where candidates contest elections while under criminal investigation or trial. The 2023 elections saw several governors and lawmakers emerge victorious despite facing corruption charges. Political analysts argue that this trend undermines public trust in both the judiciary and the electoral process.

“Malami’s emergence as ADC candidate is legally permissible but politically problematic,” said Dr. Amina Yusuf, a political scientist at the University of Abuja. “It sends a message that political ambition can proceed without regard for ongoing legal accountability. This is a test for both the judiciary and the electorate.”

Supporters of Malami, however, argue that the former minister is being targeted by political adversaries within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), from which he defected earlier this year. They contend that the EFCC case is an attempt to weaken him politically and that his candidacy should be judged on its merits.

ADC’s Ambitions in Kebbi and Northern Nigeria

The ADC, historically a minor party in Nigeria’s political landscape, has been positioning itself as a credible alternative to the dominant APC and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kebbi State. The party’s decision to field Malami, a high-profile figure with national name recognition, signals its determination to contest the 2027 governorship election seriously.

Kebbi State, located in the northwestern region of Nigeria, has been governed by the APC since 2015. Governor Nasir Idris, also of the APC, is expected to seek re-election in 2027. The PDP remains the primary opposition in the state, but its influence has waned in recent years.

Malami’s entry into the race could reshape the political dynamics in Kebbi. His network of political allies, built during his years as Attorney-General, and his access to resources make him a formidable candidate. However, his legal troubles could also become a significant liability, particularly if the trial advances closer to the election period.

“Malami is a heavyweight candidate, but his legal baggage is heavy too,” said Alhaji Musa Ibrahim, a political commentator based in Sokoto. “The ADC is taking a calculated risk. If the case is resolved in his favour before 2027, he becomes a very strong contender. If not, the party could be damaged.”

Pan-African and Global Significance

Malami’s case resonates beyond Nigeria, reflecting a broader African challenge of balancing political participation with accountability for alleged financial misconduct. Across the continent, individuals facing corruption charges have continued to contest and win elections, raising concerns about the effectiveness of anti-corruption institutions.

In Kenya, for example, several politicians facing corruption cases have been elected to Parliament in recent years. In South Africa, former President Jacob Zuma faced multiple corruption charges while remaining politically active. These patterns highlight a systemic weakness in the relationship between legal processes and political systems across Africa.

International observers and anti-corruption organisations have called for stronger legal frameworks to prevent individuals with pending criminal cases from contesting elections. However, such proposals often clash with constitutional guarantees of political rights and the presumption of innocence.

“The Malami case is a test case for Nigeria’s anti-corruption architecture,” said Chidi Odinkalu, a human rights lawyer and former chairman of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission. “If the EFCC case proceeds to judgment before the election, it will set a precedent. If it is delayed or dismissed, it will reinforce the perception that political influence can shield individuals from accountability.”

What Happens Next

The EFCC trial is expected to resume in July 2026, with the prosecution expected to call additional witnesses. Malami’s legal team is also preparing to file a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution has failed to establish a prima facie case against their client.

Politically, Malami will now begin the process of building a campaign structure in Kebbi State, including selecting a running mate and engaging with local party structures. The ADC will also need to resolve internal disputes arising from the primary election, as some aspirants have threatened to challenge the result.

The 2027 governorship election in Kebbi State is scheduled for March 2027, with party primaries expected to conclude by mid-2026. The APC and PDP are yet to hold their primaries, but both parties are expected to field strong candidates.

For Malami, the path to the Government House in Birnin Kebbi is clear in political terms but clouded by legal uncertainty. The coming months will determine whether his candidacy strengthens or diminishes as the trial progresses.

SOURCES

Punch Newspaper
Premium Times
Daily Trust
Channels Television