Malami’s ADC candidacy remains valid after a Federal High Court dismissed a suit challenging his emergence as Kebbi governorship candidate

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit challenging the emergence of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, as the African Democratic Congress governorship candidate for Kebbi State in the 2027 election.

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Justice M. G. Umar, in a judgment delivered on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, ruled that the plaintiff, Abdulrazak Isa Iko, failed to establish that he participated in the party’s primary election and therefore lacked the legal standing required to challenge the process.

The court consequently dismissed the case in its entirety, leaving Malami’s ADC candidacy unaffected ahead of the upcoming governorship contest.

Justice Umar held that the action lacked sufficient legal basis after the plaintiff failed to meet the requirement for challenging the outcome of a political party primary.

The ruling effectively removes a legal obstacle that had threatened to disrupt Malami’s preparations for the 2027 election.

The court’s decision reinforces the legal principle that only individuals with the necessary standing can institute challenges against the conduct of party primaries.

Malami, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, joined the ADC after leaving the ruling All Progressives Congress and emerged as the party’s candidate for the Kebbi governorship race.

The former minister served as Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice from 2015 to 2023 during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

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With the case dismissed, the ADC candidate can now focus on building his campaign and strengthening the party’s position ahead of the 2027 polls.