Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has inaugurated a 600-member campaign council of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
During the inauguration on Wednesday, Malami urged members of the council to prioritise unity, reconciliation and issue-based politics as the party works to strengthen its presence across the state.
He tasked the campaign council with building an effective grassroots mobilisation network capable of reaching voters across Kebbi’s 21 local government areas.
Malami explained that the inauguration went beyond the appointment of campaign officials, describing it as the start of a coordinated effort to take the ADC’s message to communities, wards and polling units throughout the state.
He said the council was intentionally structured to reflect Kebbi’s diversity, with members drawn from various communities, local government areas and senatorial districts.
“This Campaign Council represents our collective ADC campaign. It is not about one candidate or one elective position. From the governorship to the Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly, we must work as one political family,” Malami said.
The former minister also recognised the party’s senatorial candidates, including Gen. Aminu Bande for Kebbi Central, Garba Maidoki for Kebbi South and Chiroman Kabi, Alhaji Mera, for Kebbi North. He also acknowledged other ADC candidates contesting National and State Assembly seats.
Malami Calls for Unity and Reconciliation
Malami urged campaign council members to steer clear of tribalism, sectionalism and personal rivalries, warning that internal disagreements could undermine the ADC’s political ambitions.
He encouraged members to address grievances through dialogue and reconciliation, particularly when disputes emerge during the campaign.
“Where there are disagreements, let us reconcile. Where there are grievances, let us listen. Where there is suspicion, let us rebuild trust. Our diversity must become our strength,” he said.
He also promoted the campaign theme, “One ADC, One Campaign,” calling on candidates and supporters to put the collective interests of the party ahead of individual ambitions.
“Different candidates, one ADC. Different communities, one Kebbi State. Different responsibilities, one common purpose,” Malami declared.
Former Minister Warns Against Hate Speech
Malami further advised party members to avoid inflammatory statements, hate speech, ethnic insults and personal attacks against political opponents.
He stressed that political disagreements should not destroy longstanding relationships between individuals and communities, noting that people would continue to interact regardless of the outcome of the elections.
“After the elections, we will still worship together, attend the same markets, celebrate together, mourn together and raise our children together. No political ambition is worth destroying those bonds,” he said.
Describing the appointments as a responsibility rather than a reward, Malami charged the more than 600 council members with mobilising supporters, resolving internal grievances and explaining the ADC’s programmes to voters at the grassroots.
He urged members to return to their communities as ambassadors and bridge-builders, maintaining that the campaign’s success would depend on cooperation, discipline and effective grassroots engagement.
The inauguration comes as political parties intensify preparations and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections. Kebbi State is expected to experience increased political activity as parties position themselves for contests at the governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly levels.
Malami said the inauguration marked the beginning of a fresh phase of ADC mobilisation in Kebbi and urged members to remain committed to the party’s message and the interests of the people.
“We choose unity over division. We choose cooperation over rivalry. We choose reconciliation over bitterness. We choose respect over insults. We choose service over personal interest,” he said.
He concluded by calling on members to put aside their differences and work collectively for the development of the state.
“Let us rise above our differences. Let us rise above tribalism and sectionalism. Let us arise together in service to our people. And together, let us make Kebbi State shine. Arise and Shine!” he added.
