By Obinna Uballa
Fears about rising political violence ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections deepened on Monday after armed thugs attacked the convoy of former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, in Kebbi State.
The incident occurred in Birnin Kebbi and left about 10 vehicles vandalised while several supporters sustained injuries. Malami, who now leads the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state, described the assault as a politically motivated provocation.
“It’s 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,” he alleged.
Malami added that his visit had nothing to do with politics but lamented the escalating hostility in Kebbi, warning that “when it comes to politics in Kebbi State, there is no retreat, no surrender.”
The attack drew sharp reactions from political observers, including prolific journalist and public affairs analyst, Chris Kehinde Nwandu, who warned that unchecked political violence could destabilise the 2027 elections.
“2027 may be bloody if this is not nipped in the bud,” Nwandu wrote on social media, recalling that he had earlier expressed concerns on a political programme about the growing trend of violence among politicians.
“During my discussion on Journalists’ Hangout on Sunday, I raised my concern about the rising cases of violence, with the attack on Mallam Nasir El-Rufai’s ADC members in Kaduna. Yesterday it was another attack on the convoy of former AGF Abubakar Malami in Kebbi State. Is this a test of what to expect in 2027? God help us,” he stated.
Meanwhile, reacting to the allegations, the APC’s Kebbi State Publicity Secretary, Isa Assalafy, denied any party involvement and condemned the attack as “unacceptable.”
“Kebbi is 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 to be disrupted,” Assalafy said.
He further claimed that security operatives attached to Malami’s convoy opened fire during the confrontation, escalating tensions.
