Malami, Kebbi govt trade words over attacks at ADC rally

File photo: Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami

The Kebbi State governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Abubakar Malami, has condemned alleged attacks, intimidation and destruction of property during the party’s presidential campaign flag-off in Birnin Kebbi.

Malami also called for an impartial investigation into the demolition of the Malami Pressure Group headquarters along Sani Abacha Bypass, Birnin Kebbi, describing the incident as one that raises concerns about democratic freedoms.

The former Minister of Justice made the allegations in a press statement issued on Friday through his Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Bello Doka.

The condemnation followed Thursday’s campaign flag-off, which was attended by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and other national leaders of the ADC.

Malami alleged that political thugs attacked members of the campaign convoy, destroyed media equipment and deployed tear gas around areas occupied by members of the visiting delegation.

He warned against the use of political influence or government institutions to intimidate opposition members.

“Any involvement of government institutions or security agencies in such actions is unacceptable and must be investigated,” he said.

The ADC candidate also faulted the circumstances surrounding the demolition of the Malami Pressure Group headquarters, insisting that the incident required transparency and accountability.

He said the Kebbi State Government’s denial of involvement and its attribution of the demolition to a private ownership dispute did not eliminate the need for an impartial investigation.

“The state government’s denial of involvement and its attribution of the demolition to a private ownership dispute do not remove the need for transparency and accountability,” he said.

Malami argued that political disagreements should not translate into violence, harassment or the destruction of property.

“Political disagreement must never become an excuse for intimidation, destruction of property or suppression of lawful opposition,” he added.

He further maintained that the Constitution guaranteed citizens freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, urging the government to respect those rights.

The ADC governorship candidate also accused the state government of not giving sufficient attention to the security and economic challenges confronting residents.

He listed banditry, displacement, poverty, food insecurity and disruption of agricultural activities among the major problems facing the state.

Malami cited the National Emergency Management Agency’s humanitarian intervention in March 2026 for victims of banditry in Shanga, Yauri and Bunza as evidence of the challenges confronting affected communities.

He said farmers needed protection, children deserved quality education, families required affordable food, while young people needed employment opportunities.

“Rather than intimidate political opponents, the government must concentrate its resources and attention on addressing these urgent concerns,” he said.

He called on the Kebbi State Government, security agencies and political stakeholders to avoid actions capable of triggering violence and ensure a peaceful political environment.

Malami also appealed to ADC supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding, stressing that the party would pursue political change through democratic engagement.

Reacting to the allegations, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ahmed Idris, denied claims of intimidation and other wrongdoing by the state government.

He said, “The state government did not intimidate them in any way. They came, they held their programme and left.

“It was even their supporters that destroyed our billboard. The government didn’t do anything to them,” he added.