Former Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, narrowly escaped tragedy on Monday, September 1, after suspected thugs attacked his convoy in Kebbi State.
Malami, who now leads the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state, confirmed the violent assault, which left several of his supporters injured and at least 10 vehicles damaged.
The shocking attack has further heightened political tensions in the state ahead of the 2027 elections.
One of the victims told Channels Television that the convoy came under heavy attack from armed thugs wielding dangerous weapons and hurling stones.
The sudden ambush forced many supporters to flee for safety while several cars were smashed.
Reacting to the incident, Malami dismissed claims that his visit was political.
He insisted he was only in Birnin Kebbi to offer condolences to families who had lost loved ones while he was away.
“This is a painful act clearly linked to politics.
Some thugs came out from the APC state headquarters, armed with dangerous weapons and stones, attacking and destroying our convoy,” Malami alleged.
He declared that he would not be intimidated by political violence, adding, “The truth is, when it comes to politics in Kebbi State, there is no retreat, no surrender.”
The All Progressives Congress (APC), however, swiftly distanced itself from the attack.
The party’s Kebbi State Publicity Secretary, Isa Assalafy, denied that APC members were involved.
He strongly condemned the violence, stressing that Kebbi has always been known as a peaceful state.
“No government that enjoys massive support from the people and is confident of victory in 2027 would want the peace of the state disrupted,” Assalafy stated.
He went further to accuse security personnel attached to Malami’s convoy of opening fire during the confrontation, a move he claimed escalated the situation.
The incident has left residents worried about rising political clashes as parties prepare for the 2027 elections.
Political observers warn that if unchecked, such violent confrontations could destabilize Kebbi’s fragile peace and undermine confidence in the electoral process.
Malami’s defection from the ruling APC to the ADC earlier this year already sparked tension among political stakeholders in the state.
His growing influence in opposition ranks appears to have unsettled his former allies, raising fears of more violent showdowns in the months ahead.