The convoy of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, now a leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi State and a likely contender for the 2027 governorship race, was attacked by suspected political thugs in Birnin Kebbi on Monday.
Malami, who served as AGF between 2015 and 2023, has been linked with plans to contest the governorship under the ADC platform, positioning himself as a major challenger to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
The incident reportedly occurred shortly after his return to Kebbi while on a condolence visit to bereaved families in the metropolis.
It is understood that about 10 vehicles in the convoy were vandalised, while several of his supporters sustained injuries.
Malami described the attack as politically motivated.
He said: “I was in Birnin Kebbi solely to pay condolences to families who lost their loved ones while I was away, not for political campaigns. It’s painful and unfortunate. Some thugs emerged from the APC state headquarters, armed with weapons and stones, and attacked our convoy, destroying vehicles and injuring our supporters. When it comes to politics in Kebbi State, there is no retreat, no surrender.”
The APC in Kebbi has, however, denied any involvement. The party’s Publicity Secretary, Isa Assalafy, condemned the violence and insisted Kebbi remains a peaceful state.
“No government that enjoys the massive support of the people and is confident of victory in 2027 would want the peace of the state disrupted,” Assalafy said.
He further alleged that armed security personnel attached to Malami’s convoy opened fire during the confrontation, which he claimed escalated the situation.