Kebbi State has launched a stinging rebuttal against Abubakar Malami, the former Attorney-General of the Federation who recently announced his bid for the 2027 presidential election. The state government accused Malami of deliberately distorting facts about governance in the state and conveniently forgetting his own role in previous administrative failures.
Malami, who hails from Kebbi and previously served as AGF under President Buhari, had made claims about the state's governance record in comments linked to his presidential ambitions. Rather than let the narrative stand unchallenged, Kebbi's government decided to respond directly, painting a picture of a man attempting to rewrite history for political gain.
The state government did not mince words in its defence. Officials pointed out that Malami's criticisms ring hollow given his own track record in national office. They argued that his tenure as Attorney-General was marked by controversies that the state has no obligation to defend on his behalf. The government suggested that Malami should answer questions about his own stewardship before casting stones at others.
Kebbi's response reflects a broader political calculation. As the 2027 race heats up, politicians from the same state often clash over who best represents their region's interests. Malami's entry into the race appears to have triggered anxiety in Kebbi's government circles, prompting them to undercut his credibility before his campaign gains momentum. The government made clear that it would not allow false or misleading characterisations of Kebbi's governance to circulate unchallenged.
The dispute touches on real governance issues, though both sides frame them differently. Kebbi's government claims it has made tangible progress in service delivery, infrastructure, and economic management. Malami's camp, by contrast, has suggested that the state needs fresh leadership and new direction. These competing narratives will likely define political debate in Kebbi as the 2027 election draws closer.
Malami has not yet responded to Kebbi's attack, and it remains unclear whether he will dignify the accusations with a direct reply or allow surrogates to defend him. Either way, the exchange signals that his presidential bid has already begun to provoke reactions at home, a sign that his candidacy will not go unopposed even among those who share his regional base.
