Abubakar Malami's Strategic Moves Stir Political Waters In Kebbi Ahead Of 2027 Gubernatorial Election

The unexpected emergence of campaign posters featuring former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, across various locations in Kebbi State and on social media platforms has intensified political discourse as the 2027 governorship election approaches. This development appears to have unsettled the camp of the incumbent Governor Nasir Idris.

The posters, suggesting Malami’s potential ambition to vie for the governorship seat, have reignited discussions surrounding political zoning, the current administration’s performance, and increasing calls for a power shift from Kebbi Central—a region that has consistently produced governors since the state’s inception in 1991.

Governor Nasir Idris, elected in 2023 under the All Progressives Congress (APC) banner, is currently serving his first term. Historically, no sitting governor in Kebbi State has failed to secure re-election, a precedent that Idris’s supporters believe works in his favor. His ascent in politics was bolstered by his robust background in labor unions, notably as the former National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers and Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, earning him significant support among civil servants and grassroots constituents.

However, Idris’s path to a second term may be more challenging than that of his predecessors. Beyond addressing concerns over escalating insecurity in parts of the state, including the rise of the terrorist group Lakurawa, he faces a revitalized opposition. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demonstrated considerable strength, securing all three senatorial seats in the recent elections—a rare occurrence that underscores potential vulnerabilities within the APC’s dominance in the state.

While Malami has not made any official political declarations, insiders suggest he is evaluating various strategic options, including the possibility of aligning with the PDP if the APC ticket proves unattainable. A source noted, “Malami is not desperate, but he is calculating. If the APC closes the door on him, he has other options. The PDP is watching too.”

Complicating the political landscape is the influential presence of former governor and political mentor, Senator Adamu Aliero. Having realigned with the PDP, Aliero is perceived as a significant force behind the party’s resurgence in Kebbi State. Reports indicate a strained relationship between Aliero and Governor Idris, suggesting that Aliero’s maneuvers leading up to 2027 could substantially influence the election’s outcome.

Within the APC, reactions to Malami’s potential candidacy are mixed. Some stakeholders dismiss his ambitions as speculative, citing a perceived lack of grassroots support. However, others caution against underestimating him, given his extensive connections with national power brokers and the political elite. An APC chieftain in Birnin Kebbi, Shehu Bashir, remarked, “Malami’s name carries weight in Abuja, not in our villages. People here want leaders who understand their daily struggles, not those who only show up when elections approach.” Conversely, Salif Moussa from Arewa Dandi warned, “He is a strategist. His charity initiatives, his national connections, and his silence after stepping down in 2023 have all been calculated. If he chooses to run, he will not be a pushover.”

Malami, hailing from Kebbi Central, had previously indicated interest in the 2023 governorship race but withdrew under unclear circumstances, paving the way for Idris’s emergence as the APC candidate. The reappearance of Malami’s posters has reignited internal power struggles within the APC and amplified calls for power rotation to Kebbi North or Kebbi South. Many argue that since Kebbi Central has held the governorship since 1999, it’s time for other senatorial districts to be considered. A youth leader from Yauri in Kebbi South, Musa Dankande, stated, “Our zone has never produced a governor. It’s not about tribe or religion, it’s about fairness. We have capable leaders. If APC truly wants to keep the state, they must listen to this clamour.”

Although Malami has not officially declared his candidacy, political observers interpret the emergence of his posters as a clear sign of mobilization. With the 2027 election less than two years away, these developments suggest a potentially turbulent race ahead, one that could test the strength of incumbency, the influence of federal connections, and the resolve of the grassroots electorate in Kebbi State.