The Kebbi State Government has downplayed the political impact of former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), following his recent defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking to newsmen, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Nasir Idris, Ahmed Idris, said Malami’s move holds no political weight in the state and has no effect on the popularity or performance of the current administration.
“Well, the defection of the former Attorney General is not something that the people or the government of Kebbi State will be unhappy about. In fact, we are happy he left because he didn’t add any value to our administration,” he said.
He emphasized that Governor Idris enjoys strong grassroots support, reinforced by his performance in office.
“Our governor is already well-grounded in the minds of the people, and his achievements speak volumes. In fact, the people of Kebbi State are so impressed with him that they want him to continue after eight years or even go to Abuja to become the president of this country,” he added.
Dismissing Malami’s political relevance, Idris argued that the former AGF has never had a solid support base in Kebbi.
“As for Malami, he has no political integrity in Kebbi State. He has never even won his own polling unit in any election, let alone the majority of votes across the state. So, his defection means nothing to us. We are not worried because he has no impact or value.”
Commenting on recent opposition realignments, he said such coalitions are driven by self-interest, not service to the public.
“We’re not worried at all. They cannot defeat the APC not even at the top level. If you look at the caliber of people who defected whether from APC or PDP, they’re doing it purely for selfish interests, not for the people,” he said.
He also cited concerns raised by youths who felt abandoned after being engaged by Malami’s camp.
“Some youths were invited for a meeting by Malami’s people about a new movement. In the end, they were abandoned. He couldn’t even support them. Some of them came to me and complained,” Idris explained.
He highlighted Governor Idris’s inclusive governance style, pointing to appointments made across ethnic and regional lines.
“He doesn’t discriminate whether you’re Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, Benin — it doesn’t matter. I’m not even from Kebbi State; I’m a Nupe man from Niger. Yet he picked me as his Chief Press Secretary. He gave appointments to Igbos, Yorubas, and others. That shows the inclusivity of his leadership,” he noted.
Listing key achievements of the administration, Idris mentioned the completion of the state secretariat, rural infrastructure development, and support for traditional institutions.
“He also supported the traditional institutions, renovated palaces of the four Emirs in Kebbi, bought them official vehicles, and didn’t just leave things to contractors.”
On security and agriculture, he added: “He created operational bases in volatile areas where people couldn’t farm or sleep peacefully. Today, areas like Shanga and Yauri are safer… He purchased over 200 trucks of fertilizer and distributed them for free.”
In closing, Idris advised Malami to reconsider his political direction and reflect on the support he once enjoyed under the APC.
“My advice to Malami is that he should rethink his decision. Leaving the APC is a wrong move. Malami benefited from this party and grew politically under APC. He should have stayed loyal.”
“No matter what anyone does in Kebbi today, they can’t win against the goodwill, the performance, and the legacy of my principal. He has touched the lives of the masses and that’s what truly counts,” he concluded.
