Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami has obtained the governorship nomination form of the African Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Kebbi State, announcing his entry into the race on the grounds of worsening living conditions, insecurity, and what he described as governance failure in the state.

In a statement issued through his social media platforms, Malami said he could no longer remain silent as Kebbi State grappled with what he characterised as one of the most severe humanitarian and governance crises in Nigeria. He cited alarming statistics on education, poverty, healthcare, and security as the basis for his decision.

He claimed that more than 67 per cent of children aged six to fifteen in the state were out of school, while over 88 per cent of children reportedly lived in conditions of multidimensional poverty. He also raised concerns about persistently high maternal mortality rates and the limited availability of antenatal and essential health services in rural areas.

On the security front, Malami alleged that several communities across the state continued to suffer from bandit attacks and kidnappings, forcing farmers from their land and suppressing business activity. He accused the current administration of failing to prioritise the needs of citizens amid economic hardship and insecurity.

Declaring what he termed a state of emergency on misgovernance in Kebbi, Malami pledged to focus on restoring security, improving public education, strengthening healthcare delivery, reviving the agricultural sector, and expanding opportunities for young people if elected governor in 2027. He framed his candidacy as a service-driven mission anchored on accountability and sustainable development.