Abubakar Malami, former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, has obtained the governorship nomination form of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Kebbi State.

Malami disclosed the development through posts on his social media platforms over the weekend, saying worsening insecurity, poverty, economic hardship, healthcare challenges, and declining education standards influenced his decision to join the race.

The former minister described Kebbi as facing one of the country’s most severe humanitarian and governance crises, citing rising insecurity, widespread poverty, poor healthcare services, and a growing number of out-of-school children.

According to him, more than 67 percent of school-age children in the state are reportedly out of school, while maternal mortality, malaria infections, and poor antenatal care continue to threaten lives in many rural communities.

Malami also raised concerns over increasing cases of armed banditry and kidnappings, which he said had displaced farmers, disrupted economic activities, and spread fear across several parts of the state.

“Across political and grassroots circles, Malami’s entry into the race is already being described as the long-awaited ‘Operation Rescue’ mission to pull Kebbi State out of worsening insecurity, economic stagnation, collapsing public services, and what many residents now openly describe as a dangerous era of leadership failure,” part of the statement read.

The former minister said the decision to contest was driven by the need to reposition Kebbi and restore public confidence in governance.

“For years, Kebbi  once regarded as one of Nigeria’s most promising agricultural states — has steadily drifted into hardship,” the statement added.

Malami’s entry into the governorship race comes amid his ongoing legal battles under the current administration, which he has repeatedly described as politically motivated and a form of witch-hunt.