Basiru Ahmad
Recently, the political atmosphere in Kebbi State witnessed a wave of defections, with three prominent senators — Senator Adamu Aliero, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, and Senator Garba Maidoki — crossing over from the People's Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This development has sparked a flurry of discussions and speculations within the political space, particularly regarding its potential impact on the political relevance of Dr. Abubakar Malami SAN, a towering figure in Kebbi and Nigerian politics. However, it is imperative to clarify that the defections pose no real threat to Malami’s political structure and influence.
Dr. Abubakar Malami SAN, former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice of the Federation, has a well-established political philosophy that fundamentally distinguishes him from the traditional political elite. His politics is not dictated by the elite club or opportunistic alliances but by the yearnings, aspirations, and endorsement of the ordinary people — the talakawa. Unlike many political actors who view party platforms as mere vehicles to secure positions only to abandon the people afterward, Malami has consistently aligned himself with the masses and remained loyal to their interests.
Over the years, Malami has cultivated deep grassroots connections that transcend partisan boundaries. His approach to governance and politics is people-oriented, and his enduring popularity is a result of consistent empowerment programs, youth development initiatives, educational support, and community-based projects that have directly improved the lives of many in Kebbi State.
One cannot ignore the tangible legacies left behind by Malami both during and after his time in office. His interventions in legal reforms, human rights, justice delivery, and local empowerment across Kebbi are well-documented. He has also been a strategic national figure, shaping constitutional and judicial directions that benefit not only Kebbi but the nation at large. These achievements have solidified his status as a man of the people, not just a political officeholder.
While the defections of Senators Aliero, Yahaya, and Maidoki may appear significant on the surface, they represent the usual elite political calculations — where political parties are treated as tools for personal political survival rather than platforms for ideological commitment or genuine service. The public must understand that these moves are not grounded in popular mandates but in elite negotiations that often alienate the masses.
Dr. Malami’s support base is not built on temporary political friendships or elite endorsements, but on an enduring relationship with the grassroots. His political structure remains intact and continues to grow, driven by a strong belief in inclusive governance, social justice, and accountability.
Dr. Malami has repeatedly demonstrated that his political ambition, if any, is not tied to the manipulative tactics of “use-and-dump” politics. He targets the electorate — the real custodians of democracy. His message is simple: power belongs to the people, and leadership must reflect their needs and voices. This philosophy insulates him from the destabilizing effects of elite defections and positions him as a beacon of hope for sustainable and people-centered leadership in Kebbi.
In Kebbi State today, political loyalty is being redefined. The era of blind followership driven by elite maneuverings is fading. Dr. Abubakar Malami SAN represents a new dawn where leadership is earned through service, not negotiation rooms. The recent defections only reaffirm the need for a politics of principle, and Malami stands tall in that regard. He remains a formidable figure not because of the political parties others belong to, but because of the trust he commands among the people of Kebbi — a trust rooted in action, not words.
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