Kebbi Govt Accuses ADC, Malami of Politicising Banditry Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Kebbi State Government has accused the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its governorship candidate, Abubakar Malami, of exploiting insecurity and the suffering of victims of banditry to advance their political interests ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The allegations were contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to Governor Nasir Idris on Sunday, with the government accusing opposition figures of using visits to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps and communities affected by banditry to score political points.

The government alleged that the ADC had built part of its political campaign around what it described as fabricated allegations, criticism of the administration’s handling of insecurity and attempts to incite civil servants against the state government.

It also faulted promises attributed to the opposition concerning improved workers’ welfare and the construction of a new state secretariat, describing them as efforts to win political support by creating dissatisfaction with the incumbent administration.

The statement particularly criticised Malami over his visit to Jega, accusing him of displaying what it called “crocodile tears” during his engagement with residents affected by insecurity. The government also questioned the conduct of the ADC’s House of Representatives candidate for Koko/Besse/Maiyama Federal Constituency, Shehu Muhammed Koko, during a condolence visit.

Defending its record on security, the state government said it had complemented federal efforts through the procurement of about 200 Hilux vehicles and more than 10,000 motorcycles, alongside periodic reviews of allowances for security personnel deployed to operational areas.

The administration further said it had made arrangements for the resettlement, feeding, clothing, security and financial assistance of residents displaced by banditry. It added that Governor Idris chaired weekly State Security Council meetings attended by senior security officials to review operations and strengthen responses to emerging threats.

The government also cited the governor’s visits to Sakaba, Danko/Wasagu and Shanga Local Government Areas, where it said additional armoured vehicles and military personnel, including members of the civilian Joint Task Force, were announced to reinforce security operations. It further stated that financial support had been approved for displaced residents in Wasagu and vigilantes assisting security agencies.

In defending the administration’s position on workers’ welfare, the statement cited comments attributed to the state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Murtala Usman, who reportedly dismissed the opposition’s promises and said workers’ rights and privileges were being paid as and when due.

The government also referred to allegations concerning Malami’s wealth accumulated during his time in public office, citing court orders involving the seizure of about 50 properties and the freezing of 47 bank accounts. However, the statement did not provide further details of the legal cases in connection with the allegations.

A political aide to Malami, contacted over the accusations, dismissed them as evidence of the ruling party’s fear of the opposition. The aide said Malami’s camp would respond to the allegations in due course, adding that the party would not be distracted from its political objectives ahead of the 2027 elections.