Malami’s prosecution politically motivated – Kebbi ADC

The African Democratic Congress in Kebbi State has alleged that the investigation and prosecution of its governorship candidate and former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), are politically motivated, insisting the party will not be intimidated ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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

While maintaining that it does not oppose lawful investigation or prosecution of anyone suspected of wrongdoing, the ADC accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of using state institutions to weaken opposition parties.

“We are not averse to lawful investigation, arraignment and/or prosecution of any suspect, but we are not blind to the ongoing Gestapo method of muzzling members of the opposition parties from across the nation,” the statement read.

“No amount of political persecution, suppression, blackmail or intimidation will take our minds and eyes away from the big goal, that is, to defeat the discredited APC Government at the polls come the 2027 General Elections.”

The party alleged that the petition, investigation, arrest, detention and prosecution of Malami were orchestrated to achieve “a predetermined goal”, describing the process as politically motivated.

According to the ADC, Malami was arrested and detained over what it described as a bailable offence, while his properties were allegedly searched in his absence.

“It is even more clear that from the politically motivated petition, investigation, arrest, detention and prosecution, the Malami, SAN matter is primarily dictated, designed and orchestrated to achieve a predetermined goal,” the statement added.

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The party also argued that allegations surrounding Malami’s assets failed to take into account his personal and family background before his appointment as Attorney-General.

“The good thing about Malami’s case is that his prosecutors have no final say on the accusations levelled against him and we are supremely confident that the appellate court will do justice to him,” it said.

Reaffirming its support for the former minister, the ADC declared that its members in Kebbi State remained united behind him despite the legal challenges.

“We wish to state, without equivocation, that the entire members of the ADC, Kebbi State Chapter, are solidly behind our Party Leader and Gubernatorial Candidate, come rain or shine,” the statement read.

The party further vowed that “no amount of blackmail, harassment, intimidation, name-calling and media trial will truncate our unalloyed commitment” to unseat the APC in the 2027 elections.

It described the challenges facing its members as sacrifices necessary to restore democratic governance, saying it remained committed to its political activities despite what it termed intimidation.

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

His investigation and prosecution have attracted political reactions, with the ADC insisting the legal action is politically motivated. However, anti-graft agencies have consistently maintained that investigations and prosecutions are based on evidence and conducted in accordance with the law, irrespective of political affiliation. The matter remains before the courts.