Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Monday paid a solidarity visit to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, following a reported attack on Malami’s convoy in Kebbi State.

The incident occurred shortly after Malami returned to the state and went on a condolence visit to families who had lost loved ones.

Eyewitnesses said the attack happened near the African Democratic Congress (ADC) secretariat in Birnin Kebbi, and that about 10 vehicles in the convoy were damaged. Several supporters were also injured.

Malami, who served as Minister of Justice from 2015 to 2023, described the attack as politically motivated.
“I was in Birnin Kebbi solely to pay condolences to families who lost their loved ones while I was away, not for political campaigns,” Malami said.

“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.”

Photos from the scene showed badly damaged vehicles, including shattered windows and broken windshields.

Atiku, during his visit, condemned the attack and warned about the rising threat of political violence in Nigeria.
He said such incidents were signs of a growing pattern of attacks against ADC leaders across the country.

Atiku called the trend “dangerous” and urged security agencies and political leaders to take urgent steps to stop it.

“The ADC coalition remains committed to rescuing Nigeria’s democracy from imminent threats. We must not allow anti-democratic forces to thrive,” Atiku said in a statement released by Muhammad Al-Amin, Zonal Coordinator of the Malami Support Organisation.

Malami, who served as Justice Minister under the Buhari administration, expressed gratitude for Atiku’s visit, calling the attack a stark reminder of the risks political leaders face in today’s charged climate.

“This incident is a stark warning against the politicisation of violence and the deliberate attempt to undermine democratic institutions for partisan gain,” Malami said.

Nigeria has a long history of election-related violence, with many incidents occurring before, during, and after elections.

In the months leading up to the 2023 elections, several convoys, campaign offices, and rallies were attacked across various states.