Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has condemned alleged attacks, intimidation and destruction of property involving members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) during the party’s presidential campaign flag-off in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.
Malami, who is the ADC governorship candidate in Kebbi State, called for an impartial investigation into the reported incidents, insisting that political disagreements should not be used to intimidate opposition members or undermine democratic participation.
The allegations followed the ADC presidential campaign flag-off held which attracted former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and other prominent party leaders.
In a statement issued through his Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Bello Doka, Malami alleged that suspected political thugs attacked members of the campaign convoy, destroyed media equipment and deployed tear gas around areas occupied by members of the visiting delegation.
He maintained that any involvement of government institutions or security agencies in the alleged incidents would be unacceptable and should be thoroughly investigated.
The former justice minister also demanded transparency over the demolition of the Malami Pressure Group headquarters along Sani Abacha Bypass in Birnin Kebbi.
He questioned the circumstances surrounding the demolition, arguing that the Kebbi State Government’s denial of involvement and its explanation that the incident resulted from a private ownership dispute should not prevent an independent investigation.
However, the Kebbi State Government rejected allegations of intimidation and interference with the ADC campaign.
The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ahmed Idris, maintained that the government did not obstruct the party’s activities, insisting that the ADC delegation conducted its programme and departed without government interference. He also alleged that ADC supporters were responsible for damaging a government billboard.
Malami further urged political stakeholders to respect constitutional provisions guaranteeing freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly.
He identified insecurity, banditry, displacement, poverty, food insecurity and disruptions to agricultural activities as major challenges confronting Kebbi residents, calling on the state government to prioritise the welfare and security of citizens.
He also appealed to ADC supporters to remain peaceful, disciplined and law-abiding as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The allegations and the government’s response have brought renewed attention to the importance of protecting political participation, ensuring accountability and maintaining a peaceful environment for opposition parties and other political actors ahead of the next general elections.
Abubakar Malami condemns alleged attacks on ADC members during the party’s campaign flag-off in Kebbi and demands an impartial investigation as the state government denies wrongdoing.