The Concerned Northern Forum (CNF) has rejected the reported governorship ambition of former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN).
The group described the former minister as a recycled political liability who is unfit for public office.
Addressing a press conference, CNF Convener Aliu Sanni Mohammed said the forum could no longer remain silent while individuals with questionable public records sought political rehabilitation at the expense of the people.
According to the forum, Malami’s tenure as AGF was riddled with allegations of corruption, abuse of power, and gross betrayal of public trust, including his alleged interference in anti-graft investigations, questionable wealth accumulation, and acts that undermined Nigeria’s justice system.
The group cited several instances of Malami’s alleged misconduct, including his purported orchestration of the removal of former EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, and the subsequent appointment of his loyalist, Abdularasheed Bawa, who was also later removed under a cloud of controversy.
“As Nigerians and stakeholders in the politics of Kebbi State, we categorically reject Abubakar Malami’s ambition to contest for the governorship seat in 2027 or any political office at all,” the CNF declared.
The forum also condemned the flamboyant and insensitive lifestyle of the former minister, citing reports of lavish spending during his son’s wedding in 2021, amid nationwide economic hardship.
The CNF recalled how Malami allegedly gifted his son a multi-million-naira mansion and flew guests to Kano in private jets, actions the forum claims are unbefitting of someone seeking to lead a state battling socio-economic challenges.
CNF further accused Malami of abandoning the All Progressives Congress (APC), the platform that brought him to national prominence, for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying it is a desperate move to regain political relevance.
The group warned that allowing Malami to return to public office would amount to rewarding failure and empowering impunity.
It insisted that Northern youths would resist any attempt to impose him on the people.
“Malami represents everything wrong with Nigeria’s political system: arrogance without substance, influence without merit, and ambition without accountability. Kebbi State cannot afford such regression.
“His defection to ADC and his empty rhetoric about patriotism and security are laughable and should not deceive anyone. His time in office only brought pain, setbacks, and division,” it said.
The forum threw its weight behind the incumbent Governor of Kebbi State, Dr. Nasir Idris Mohammed, while praising the government’s achievements in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security, which they said have earned him broad-based support across party lines.
