The Kebbi State governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Abubakar Malami, has spoken out against attacks, intimidation, and property damage during the party’s presidential campaign kickoff in Birnin Kebbi.
Malami has also asked for a fair investigation into the demolition of the Malami Pressure Group office on Sani Abacha Bypass, Birnin Kebbi. He called this incident troubling for democratic freedoms.
The former Minister of Justice made these claims in a press statement on Friday through his Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Bello Doka.
His statement comes after Thursday’s campaign kickoff, which had former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and other national leaders of the ADC in attendance.
Malami alleged that political thugs attacked members of the campaign convoy, damaged media equipment, and used tear gas on people near the visiting delegation.
He warned against using political power or government resources to scare opposition members. "Any involvement of government institutions or security agencies in such actions is unacceptable and must be investigated," he said.
Malami also criticized the circumstances of the demolition of the Malami Pressure Group office, saying there must be transparency and accountability.
He noted that the Kebbi State Government’s denial of involvement and its claim that the demolition was due to a private ownership dispute did not remove the need for a proper 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 lead to violence, harassment, or destruction of property. "Political disagreement must never become an excuse for intimidation, destruction of property or suppression of lawful opposition," he added.
He stressed that the Constitution guarantees citizens the freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. He urged the government to respect these rights.
The ADC candidate also accused the state government of ignoring the security and economic issues facing residents. He mentioned banditry, displacement, poverty, food insecurity, and disruption of farming as major problems in the state.
Malami pointed to the National Emergency Management Agency’s help in March 2026 for victims of banditry in Shanga, Yauri, and Bunza as proof of the challenges facing these communities.
He said farmers need protection, children should have access to quality education, families require affordable food, and young people need job opportunities.
"Rather than intimidate political opponents, the government must concentrate its resources and attention on addressing these urgent concerns," he stated.
He called on the Kebbi State Government, security agencies, and political leaders to avoid actions that could lead to violence and to ensure a peaceful political atmosphere.
Malami also urged ADC supporters to stay peaceful and follow the law, emphasizing that the party will seek political change through democratic means.
In response to the allegations, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ahmed Idris, denied any claims of intimidation or misconduct 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.
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