Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Chika Malami, on Friday returned to Kebbi State after over four months in detention, declaring readiness to re-enter the political arena and challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
His arrival in Birnin Kebbi sparked a wave of excitement, as large crowds of supporters lined major roads to welcome him, in what aides described as a show of growing political strength and defiance.
In a statement, his Special Assistant on Media, Bello Muhammed Doka, said Malami’s return marks the beginning of a renewed political movement aimed at reshaping power dynamics in Kebbi State and beyond.
According to him, the former minister’s homecoming represents “a journey of resilience and courage” following what he described as prolonged and unjust persecution.
Doka alleged that Malami spent about 123 days in detention across facilities operated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS), during which he was repeatedly granted bail and rearrested.
He further claimed that the ex-AGF was denied fundamental rights and subjected to multiple court appearances in what he termed a calculated attempt to weaken his political resolve.
“This is a reality the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu must confront—intimidation and persecution will not extinguish the rising wave of opposition across the country,” Doka said.
He described the massive crowd that greeted Malami from the airport into the city as unprecedented, insisting it reflects his enduring political relevance and grassroots support.
Observers say Malami’s return could signal a fresh round of political contestation in Kebbi, particularly within APC ranks, as he is expected to mobilise support from the grassroots in a bid to reposition himself ahead of future electoral battles.
While the federal authorities have yet to respond to the allegations surrounding his detention, Malami’s re-emergence is already stirring political conversations, with supporters framing it as the start of a broader resistance movement.
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