Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has been credited by his supporters with facilitating federal appointments for Kebbi indigenes, creating employment opportunities and supporting community development initiatives ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Malami’s supporters cited the appointments of Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa as Managing Director of the Hydro-Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and Faruk Madugu Gwandu as Executive Director, Finance and Administration, of the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority, as examples of his efforts to secure federal opportunities for the state.
They argued that Malami’s contributions should not be assessed solely through his tenure as a minister but also through his reported role in helping Kebbi indigenes secure strategic positions in federal institutions and the development initiatives associated with some of the appointees.
The claims came amid criticisms by Abdullahi Idris Sadaukin Zuru, Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, who recently questioned Malami’s record of service and contributions to the state during his eight years as minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
In an opinion article titled, “Kebbi 2027: Why Comrade Governor Idris Stands Head and Shoulders Above Malami,” published on September 18, Zuru argued that Governor Idris had a more demonstrable record of public service, infrastructure development and socioeconomic achievements than the former minister.
He also criticised Malami over ongoing legal proceedings concerning allegations of unlawful wealth accumulation, which remain subject to the relevant judicial processes.
However, Malami’s supporters maintained that his record should also be examined through the federal appointments he reportedly facilitated and the interventions undertaken by some of the appointees.
One of the examples cited was Yelwa’s appointment as HYPPADEC managing director in 2021. Under his leadership, the commission implemented flood-control interventions in Yauri, including mini bridges, retaining walls and embankments designed to protect residents, homes and livelihoods from flooding.
“Malami’s contributions to Kebbi should not be judged only by the positions he occupied in government, but also by the opportunities he helped to create for the people of the state,” a supporter argued, pointing to the federal appointments and community interventions associated with the former minister.
Malami was also reported to have recommended Bawa, a Kebbi indigene, for appointment as EFCC chairman.
According to a report by notable online media source, published on March 15, 2021, Malami supported Bawa’s appointment, citing his competence, experience within the commission and capacity to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.
Similarly, Gwandu’s tenure as Executive Director, Finance and Administration, of the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority was associated with the distribution of livelihood-support equipment to women and youths in Kebbi.
The items reportedly included grinding machines, deep freezers, washing machines, hair dryers and barbing clippers, aimed at supporting small businesses, encouraging self-employment and improving household incomes.
The supporters said such interventions demonstrated how federal appointments could translate into community-level benefits when appointees used their positions to support people in their home state.
Beyond the appointments, Malami was also credited by his supporters with facilitating employment opportunities for Kebbi indigenes, including residents of Gwandu.
They argued that his connections at the federal level helped to create openings for people from the state in government institutions, although the number of beneficiaries has not been independently established.
Our correspondent reports that the debate over Malami’s record has intensified as political parties position themselves for the 2027 governorship election in Kebbi State
Malami, who emerged as the African Democratic Congress governorship candidate in May 2026, is seeking to unseat Governor Idris, the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Zuru and other supporters of the state government have continued to highlight the incumbent administration’s achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare and workers’ welfare, while questioning the substance of Malami’s criticisms of the government.
The governor’s supporters maintain that the administration’s record of projects and service delivery provides a stronger basis for seeking another term, while Malami’s supporters insist that his contributions to Kebbi should also be recognised.
For the former minister’s supporters, the federal appointments and development initiatives associated with some of the appointees form part of the argument that his public service record deserves a broader assessment.
The competing claims are emerging as a major issue in Kebbi’s political contest ahead of 2027, with voters expected to weigh the incumbent administration’s state-level projects against the federal connections, appointments and opportunities that Malami’s supporters say he helped to facilitate for the state.