by Zainab Imam
The Kebbi State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has thrown its full weight behind former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, describing his ongoing prosecution as a politically motivated attempt to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement jointly signed by the State Chairman of the party, Engr. Sufiyanu Bala, and Chairman of the ADC Elders Forum, Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Sambawa, the party said it was not opposed to lawful investigation or prosecution of any citizen but insisted that the circumstances surrounding Malami's case pointed to a deliberate campaign of political intimidation.
According to the party, the petition, investigation, arrest, detention and prosecution of the former minister were orchestrated to achieve predetermined political objectives rather than serve the cause of justice.
The ADC questioned the decision to arrest and detain Malami over what it described as a bailable offence, alleging that his properties were searched in his absence while his family's assets were deliberately overvalued in an effort to tarnish his reputation.
The party further argued that the allegations against Malami ignored his personal and family background, as well as assets and achievements that predated his appointment as Attorney-General of the Federation.
Expressing confidence in the judicial process, the party said it believed the appellate courts would ultimately ensure justice was done.
The Kebbi ADC also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using anti-corruption agencies and sections of the judicial system to intimidate opposition figures and make opposition politics increasingly difficult ahead of the next elections.
Despite what it described as sustained harassment, blackmail and media trial against its leaders, the party declared that its members remained united behind Malami, whom it described as its leader and gubernatorial candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Kebbi State.
The party maintained that no amount of intimidation or political pressure would weaken its resolve to mobilise voters against the APC in the 2027 elections, insisting that the sacrifices being endured by its members were part of a broader struggle to defend democracy and end what it called dictatorial tendencies in the country's governance.
"It is a truth at a time," the statement concluded.