As the 2027 general elections draw closer, political tensions are escalating in Kebbi State, with former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), emerging as a central figure in a brewing contest for the governorship seat.
Reliable sources have revealed that the Social Democratic Party (SDP) is mounting pressure on Malami to defect from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and accept its governorship ticket for the 2027 elections.
The move is reportedly being championed by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who is said to be working behind the scenes to consolidate a new political bloc across northern Nigeria.
According to political insiders, Malami was initially expected to announce his defection alongside former Ekiti Governor Kayode Fayemi in mid-April.
However, the former AGF has delayed the move, reportedly waiting to see the direction Governor Nasir Idris and the APC in Kebbi State will take.
“Malami is watching closely,” a source close to the former minister said.
“If Governor Idris defects from the APC, Malami might stay behind and secure the ticket. But if the governor stays put, he may jump ship to the SDP,” the source added.
The speculation gained traction following unconfirmed reports suggesting that Governor Idris may be considering a defection to an opposition coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Although the governor has since denied the rumours, publicly reaffirming his commitment to the APC, the reports have intensified internal divisions within the ruling party.
“There is pressure from Atiku’s camp, but the governor has no plans to defect,” a senior member of Governor Idris’ cabinet told Daily Post.
“He maintains a good relationship with the federal government. PDP and SDP are no threat in Kebbi,” the cabinet member said.
Despite the denials, multiple sources confirmed that El-Rufai recently held a meeting in Katsina with Malami and other northern political figures as part of plans to establish a formidable coalition that could rival the Tinubu-led APC in 2027.
One source said: “El-Rufai has offered Malami a free ticket and full backing to contest under the SDP.
“This isn’t just about Kebbi—it’s about reshaping northern political power. He’s drawing links across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, and Gombe.”
However, observers believe El-Rufai’s sudden move to the SDP has created uncertainty, particularly in the South where the party lacks national presence.
Some analysts suspect his defection might even be a ploy to destabilize the PDP rather than pose a direct challenge to the APC.
A senior SDP official who spoke under anonymity said Malami could still take advantage of Governor Idris’ dwindling popularity.
“The governor has been criticized for rising insecurity in rural areas, poor infrastructural development, and failure to meet grassroots expectations. Malami, if strategic, can exploit this,” the official said.
Yet, not all believe Malami is the answer. Kabir Mustapha, a former secretary of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and now a chieftain of the APC in Bagudo West, dismissed the idea.
His words: “You don’t substitute your best player mid-game. Governor Idris remains the best we have. Talk of defection is mere beer parlour gossip. Malami cannot match the governor’s political capital.”
Although Malami enjoys considerable support in Birnin Kebbi, Argungu, and Gwandu, his statewide appeal remains uncertain.
While many credit him for empowering youths and engaging in quiet philanthropy, others still associate him with controversial decisions during his time as AGF, especially in handling corruption cases.