Malami obtains ADC governorship form in Kebbi, says state is under siege from poverty

Former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, has secured the governorship nomination form of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 election in Kebbi state.

Malami who announced his decision in a statement issued on Friday in Birnin Kebbi, said he could no longer remain silent while Kebbi “sinks deeper into insecurity, poverty, educational collapse, and economic hardship”.

Malami described the situation in the state as one of the worst humanitarian and governance crises in the country.

According to him, more than 67 percent of children between the ages of six and 15 are out of school in the state. He added that over 88 percent of children in Kebbi live in multidimensional poverty.

The former AGF also claimed that hundreds of severely malnourished children died within nine months in 2025.

Malami said the healthcare system in the state was in poor condition, with maternal mortality remaining among the highest in Nigeria.

He added that malaria continued to affect children under five while many pregnant women in rural communities lacked access to antenatal care.

The former minister also raised concerns over insecurity in the state, saying, “Insecurity has overwhelmed many parts of the state.”

“Communities are under constant attacks from bandits, innocent citizens are being kidnapped for ransom, farmers are abandoning their lands, and businesses are collapsing under fear and uncertainty,” he added.

Malami accused the state government of misplaced priorities while critical sectors deteriorate, saying, “This is not the Kebbi we deserve This is not the future our children deserve.”

The ADC governorship aspirant said he was declaring a “state of emergency on misgovernance” in Kebbi.

“My mission is clear: to restore security, rebuild public education, strengthen healthcare delivery, revive agriculture, create opportunities for young people, and return dignity to governance,” he said.

Malami said he was entering the race with a commitment to accountability and sustainable development.

“The era of empty propaganda and ineffective leadership must come to an end. Together, we will rebuild Kebbi into a safer, stronger, and more prosperous state for all,” he added.