Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris has said that the 2027 gubernatorial declaration by former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami is “no threat” to his re-election campaign, insisting that only the state’s voters will determine the outcome for the All Progressives Congress (APC). 

Speaking at a media event in Birnin Kebbi, Idris dismissed suggestions that Malami’s emergence as a contender will destabilise his incumbency. He emphasised that while Malami retains national profile and political appeal, the gubernatorial contest in Kebbi is grounded in local delivery, service delivery and grassroots networks rather than name recognition alone.

Malami, who served as AGF and Minister of Justice from 2015 to 2023, announced his intention to run under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and cited a desire to provide alternative leadership in the state. His declaration has stirred political interest and provoked speculation about factional alignments within the APC ahead of 2027.

However, Governor Idris stressed that “the election will be decided at the polling unit, not in national headlines.” He cited his administration’s record on infrastructure, agriculture and education as proof of voter-centred governance. Analysts note that Malami’s defection from the APC, combined with his federal legal credentials, introduces a new dimension into Kebbi’s political landscape, but local contexts remain deeply important. 

For now, the governor appears confident that his incumbency and state performance will outweigh the potential challenge. Malami’s candidacy remains to be formalised through party primaries and local alliances, underscoring that the campaign pathway still lies ahead.