Malami’s return to Kebbi draws massive crowd, boosts ADC momentum

Abubakar Malami has returned to Kebbi State after over four months in detention and restricted movement, drawing a massive crowd of supporters and reshaping political conversations ahead of the 2027 elections.

The former Attorney-General’s arrival was met with large crowds across parts of the state, as supporters flooded major roads waving party flags and chanting slogans.

Malami had been detained on December 8, 2025, after honouring an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), with involvement from the Department of State Services (DSS), before being granted bail in March 2026.

His eventual return to Kebbi followed weeks of uncertainty after his release, during which he remained largely out of the public eye.

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The scale of the reception has been described by observers as one of the largest political gatherings in the state in recent years, signalling a possible shift in Kebbi’s political landscape.

Supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) turned out in large numbers, suggesting renewed grassroots momentum for the party in the state.

The development comes as political alignments begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Malami increasingly seen as a potential contender in the Kebbi governorship race.

Many of his supporters framed his detention as politically motivated, a narrative that appears to have strengthened his appeal among sections of the electorate.

Nicknamed the “Lion King” by loyalists, Malami has long maintained significant political influence in Kebbi, and his return is now being interpreted as a re-entry into active politics.

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Analysts say the show of support could pose a challenge to the dominance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

With early mobilisations already underway, attention is now shifting to how Malami positions himself in the coming months—and whether his resurgence will translate into electoral strength in 2027.