By Peter Omopo
2 September 2025
The convoy of former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), was on Monday attacked by suspected hoodlums in Birnin Kebbi, leaving several vehicles vandalised and supporters injured.
The incident occurred shortly after Malami, who now leads the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi State, returned from a condolence visit.
Eyewitnesses said about 10 vehicles in the convoy were damaged when thugs allegedly emerged from the All Progressives Congress (APC) state headquarters, armed with stones and weapons.
Malami described the attack as “politically motivated.”
“I was in Birnin Kebbi solely to pay condolences to families who lost their loved ones while I was away, not for political campaigns. It’s painful and unfortunate,” he said.
“Some thugs emerged from the APC headquarters and attacked our convoy, destroying vehicles and injuring our supporters. When it comes to politics in Kebbi State, there is no retreat, no surrender.”
The APC in Kebbi, however, denied involvement. Its Publicity Secretary, Isa Assalafy, condemned the incident, insisting that Kebbi remained a peaceful state. He alleged that armed security attached to Malami’s convoy had escalated the clash by firing shots.
As of press time, the Kebbi State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
Meanwhile, the ADC gained momentum in neighbouring Sokoto State on Sunday as hundreds of APC members defected to its coalition.
The defectors, under the Soja Mobilisation Forum — an umbrella body of more than 100 political groups — announced their move at a rally, accusing the APC of worsening the nation’s economic hardship.
“The APC has brought nothing to Nigerians except suffering and despair,” said the Forum’s Chairman, Alhaji Sani Abdullahi. “Our people deserve a coalition that truly represents their hopes and aspirations.”
Receiving the defectors, ADC leader and former governorship aspirant, A.A. Gumbi, described the development as a “turning point” ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Your defection is not just a numerical addition but a strong statement that the people of Sokoto are ready for a new political direction,” he said.
Political analysts have tagged the wave of defections a “political tsunami,” noting that with the Soja Mobilisation Forum’s network across Sokoto South, Sokoto North, Wamakko, and Gwadabawa, the ADC coalition is positioning itself as a formidable challenger to the APC in the state.
