Kebbi State governorship candidate Abubakar Malami and the state government trade accusations over campaign violence.
Political tensions have escalated in Kebbi State as African Democratic Congress governorship candidate Abubakar Malami clashes with the state government over alleged attacks during a recent political rally.
The dispute centers on allegations of intimidation, property destruction, and the controversial demolition of a political group headquarters in Birnin Kebbi following a high-profile campaign event.
Both sides have strongly defended their positions, with the opposition demanding an impartial investigation while the state government flatly denies any involvement, according to information published by punchng.
Abubakar Malami Condemns Rally Attacks and Demolition
Abubakar Malami, the former Minister of Justice, strongly condemned the alleged attacks, intimidation, and destruction of property during the party presidential campaign flag-off in Birnin Kebbi.
Speaking through his media aide Mohammed Bello Doka, the ADC governorship candidate called for an impartial investigation into the demolition of the Malami Pressure Group headquarters along Sani Abacha Bypass.
The high-profile event was attended by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and other national leaders, bringing significant national attention to the political developments unfolding within the northern state.
Kebbi State Government Denies Allegations of Intimidation
Reacting swiftly to the allegations, Ahmed Idris, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, firmly denied any claims of intimidation or wrongdoing by the Kebbi State Government during the opposition event.
He stated that the visiting politicians came, held their programme successfully, and left without interference from state authorities, emphasizing that the administration respects peaceful democratic participation.
Furthermore, the government spokesperson countered that it was actually opposition supporters who destroyed a state billboard, maintaining that local authorities did not take any hostile actions against them.
Security Challenges Versus Political Disagreements
The opposition candidate argued that political disagreements should never translate into violence, harassment, or the suppression of lawful opposition activities guaranteed by the national constitution.
Malami maintained that the administration should concentrate its resources on addressing urgent security and economic challenges, listing banditry, displacement, poverty, and food insecurity as major problems.
He cited a humanitarian intervention by the National Emergency Management Agency in March 2026 for victims in Shanga, Yauri, and Bunza as evidence of the severe hardships facing local communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Abubakar Malami in the Kebbi State political race?
Abubakar Malami is the African Democratic Congress governorship candidate for Kebbi State and the former Minister of Justice of Nigeria.
Why are Malami and the Kebbi State Government trading words?
They are clashing over allegations of political violence, intimidation, and the demolition of a campaign group headquarters during a recent ADC rally in Birnin Kebbi.
What did the Kebbi State Government say in response to the allegations?
Ahmed Idris, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, denied all claims of intimidation, stating that the opposition held their event freely and that supporters actually damaged a state billboard.
