By EMMA PETER, ABUJA
Abubakar Malami, SAN, has travelled a remarkable path from the legal profession in Kebbi State to the highest office in Nigeria’s justice system and is now returning to the political arena as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Kebbi State for the 2027 election.
Born on April 17, 1967, in Birnin Kebbi, Malami studied Law at Usmanu Danfodiyo University and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1992. He later obtained a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Maiduguri. His early career was rooted in legal practice and public service in Kebbi before his involvement in national politics.
He was part of the political process that produced the All Progressives Congress (APC), having served as National Legal Adviser of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change and participated in the 2013 merger process that brought together the CPC, Action Congress of Nigeria and All Nigeria Peoples Party.
His national profile rose dramatically in November 2015 when former President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, a position he held until May 2023.
For almost eight years, Malami was at the centre of major legal and justice-sector activities of the Federal Government, including law reforms, administration of justice, anti-corruption measures, international cooperation and asset recovery.
One of the notable achievements associated with his tenure was Nigeria’s recovery of more than $300 million in Abacha-linked funds from the United States and Jersey. The Federal Government said the recovered resources were committed to major infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Abuja-Kano Road and the Second Niger Bridge.
The Justice Ministry under Malami also highlighted efforts aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s legal framework, improving enforcement and compliance, advancing the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and promoting greater efficiency within the justice system. In presenting his ministry’s scorecard, Malami also cited work on law reforms, administration of justice and the protection of government interests in litigation.
For many of his supporters in Kebbi, however, his strongest political asset is the combination of his local roots and national experience.
They see a Kebbi-born lawyer who rose through the profession, attained the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, became Nigeria’s chief law officer and spent almost eight years at the Federal Executive Council table. They argue that the experience gave him an understanding of government institutions and a network of relationships that could be useful in attracting attention and opportunities to Kebbi.
His supporters also point to his longstanding connection with the state. In 2021, the Kebbi State Government publicly honoured him, with the then Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu describing him as a capable and patriotic son of Kebbi who had contributed to the development of the state and Nigeria.
Malami has now taken that experience into the 2027 contest, mounting a statewide campaign on the platform of the African Democratic Congress and positioning himself as a challenger to the administration of Governor Nasir Idris and the ruling All Progressives Congress in Kebbi State. He is contesting alongside his running mate, Zagi Musa Mohammed, as the ADC’s governorship ticket for the 2027 election.
His campaign is seeking to build a strong grassroots movement across the state’s 21 local government areas, with Malami presenting security, agriculture, education, healthcare, economic development and good governance as central issues in his bid to change the direction of the state. In August 2026, he inaugurated a 600-member campaign council and charged its members to take the ADC message to communities across Kebbi, while urging them to maintain an issue-based, peaceful and inclusive campaign.
The former Attorney-General has also been openly critical of the present administration, arguing that Kebbi requires a new approach to insecurity, poverty, education, healthcare and economic development. His campaign is therefore not merely about securing the ADC governorship ticket; it is a broader effort to mobilise voters around his stated ambition of defeating the incumbent APC government led by Governor Nasir Idris in the 2027 election.
For those supporting his candidacy, Malami represents a combination of professional experience, national exposure, political connections and familiarity with the challenges facing his home state. Their argument is that a politician who spent almost eight years at the centre of the Federal Government understands the machinery of government and can bring that experience to bear on the development of Kebbi.
His journey has therefore come almost full circle—from a young lawyer building his career in Kebbi, to Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and now a governorship candidate seeking the mandate of the people of the state.
The 2027 contest will ultimately give Kebbi voters the opportunity to assess Malami’s experience, political programme and vision alongside those of Governor Nasir Idris and the other candidates seeking to lead the state.
Written by Emma Peter, Journalist from Abuja. For your editorial, feature and advert contact: Email : oxfordreporters52@gmail.com or 09152524499.
