![L-R: Former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai and former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN). [X, formerly Twitter]](https://image.api.sportal365.com/process//smp-images-production/pulse.ng/07052025/eb29efe1-9bcb-44a8-829d-a71a7a834387.jpg?operations=autocrop(1042:580))
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As Nigeria’s 2027 general elections approach, political tremors are rattling Kebbi State with former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), emerging as a likely contender for governor, possibly under a new party banner.
Sources close to Malami confirm he is under significant pressure to leave the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and accept the governorship ticket of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
The effort is reportedly being coordinated by Nasir El-Rufai, the former Kaduna State governor who is building a northern political coalition to challenge the APC’s dominance.
“Malami is watching closely. If Governor Idris defects from the APC, Malami might stay and fight from within. But if the governor remains, he may jump ship to the SDP,” a confidant of the former AGF revealed.
![APC and PDP. [Facebook]](https://image.api.sportal365.com/process/smp-images-production/pulse.ng/27072024/f74a9095-1d85-44b1-8e09-a225d56c0394?operations=autocrop(340:210))
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Is Gov Idris Dumping APC?
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Speculation about Governor Nasir Idris' possible defection to an opposition bloc led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has only fueled uncertainty, though the governor has publicly denied such claims.
“There is pressure from Atiku’s camp, but the governor has no plans to defect. He maintains a good relationship with the federal government. PDP and SDP are no threat in Kebbi,” a senior cabinet official asserted.
Despite this, insiders confirm that El-Rufai has already met with Malami and other northern leaders in Katsina to map out a strategy to challenge the Tinubu-led APC in 2027.
“This isn’t just about Kebbi. It’s about reshaping northern political power,” a source revealed.
One senior SDP official believes Malami could capitalise on Idris’ declining popularity.
“The governor is under fire for rising insecurity and poor infrastructure. Malami, if strategic, can exploit this,” he said.
Kabir Mustapha, a former ANPP secretary and current APC chieftain, dismissed the notion: “You don’t substitute your best player mid-game. Talk of defection is beer parlour gossip. Malami cannot match the governor’s political capital.”
Though Malami enjoys pockets of strong support in Birnin Kebbi, Argungu, and Gwandu, his appeal across the state remains uncertain. Some voters still remember his controversial tenure as AGF.