Kebbi APC Lawmakers Clash with Abubakar Malami, Reject Claims of State-Sponsored Violence

Abubakar Malami. [PHOTO CREDIT: @SanMalami]

KEBBI, Nigeria – In a sharp rebuke, the Kebbi State National Assembly Caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed a petition from former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), labeling his allegations of state-sponsored destabilization as a baseless political ploy.

The caucus accuses Malami, who now leads the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi, of being the true instigator of violence in a bid to regain political relevance.

Malami’s Allegations: A "Looming Threat to Peace"

The controversy began when Malami penned a petition to top security officials, including the National Security Adviser and the Chief of Defence Staff, dated September 10. In it, he warned of a “looming threat to peace,” alleging that Governor Nasir Idris and his APC allies were orchestrating a plan to import political thugs, foreign mercenaries, and illegal arms to intimidate opposition voices and weaken democracy in Kebbi State.

APC Lawmakers Fire Back: "False and Politically Motivated"

Responding decisively, the APC caucus issued a statement condemning the petition as “false, unfounded, and politically motivated.” They framed it as a desperate smear campaign by a politician whose influence has waned since leaving the federal cabinet.

“These allegations represent a desperate attempt by Mr. Malami... to undermine the peace, progress, and stability that our people currently enjoy under the leadership of Governor Nasir Idris,” the caucus stated.

In a stunning counter-accusation, the lawmakers pinned the recent introduction of political thuggery in Kebbi directly on Malami himself.

The Birnin Kebbi Incident: Who is the Real Instigator?

The lawmakers provided a detailed account of a recent event they claim exposes Malami’s tactics. They alleged that during a condolence visit to Birnin Kebbi, Malami was accompanied by “hired thugs from Sokoto, Koko, and Rara.”

This group, they claim, launched an unprovoked attack on the APC state secretariat, hurling stones and chanting “one term” against the governor. This incident allegedly triggered violent clashes a sight described as “unprecedented in Kebbi’s traditionally peaceful political climate.”

“Kebbi has long been known for its peaceful nature and culture of mutual respect among politicians. This incident alone speaks volumes about who is truly attempting to sow chaos,” the lawmakers' statement read.

Senators Aliero and Maidoki Challenge Malami to Provide Proof

Echoing the caucus's sentiment at a press conference in Abuja, Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) described the allegations as politically motivated. A former governor of the state, Aliero urged security agencies to treat the matter as a criminal case and not just political gamesmanship.

“We call on Nigerians to see Malami’s petition for what it truly is a smear campaign laced with dangerous rhetoric intended to incite fear,” Aliero said.

Senator Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South) issued a direct challenge to Malami. Noting that Malami’s residence is less than 50 meters from the APC headquarters, he questioned why there had never been any prior clashes if the APC was truly a violent party.

“We challenge him to produce evidence… He says he has evidence. We challenge him to produce it,” Maidoki demanded. He also applauded President Bola Tinubu’s efforts in improving security, noting that over 100 previously abandoned villages in his constituency have been resettled.

A Microcosm of Nigeria’s Rising Political Tensions

This fiery exchange in Kebbi is not an isolated event. It reflects a wider pattern of escalating political tensions across Nigeria, particularly in APC strongholds. From Kano, where Rep. Alhassan Doguwa recently decried a “disturbing wave of politically motivated violence” against APC members, to Kebbi, the allegations highlight the fragility of the political environment as parties begin to jostle for position ahead of future elections.

The Kebbi APC caucus concluded by reaffirming its full support for Governor Idris and urged security agencies to disregard Malami’s “alarmist narratives” and focus on genuine security threats.