Abubakar Malami: Kebbi Government Accused of Campaign Attacks

• Abubakar Malami, ADC governorship candidate in Kebbi State, accused the state government of allowing thugs to attack his campaign convoy and destroy media equipment.
• Malami also called for an investigation into the demolition of the Malami Pressure Group headquarters, deeming it a threat to democratic freedoms.
• The Kebbi State government, through its Chief Press Secretary, denied all allegations, stating the ADC campaign proceeded without interference.
• Malami cited constitutional rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly, urging all stakeholders to prevent violence.
• The government counter-alleged that ADC supporters were responsible for destroying a government billboard.

Malami issued a stern warning against the misuse of political influence or government institutions to intimidate opposition figures, stressing that any involvement of security agencies in such actions would be unacceptable and necessitate a thorough investigation.

Abubakar Malami, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate for Kebbi State, has leveled serious accusations against the state government, alleging a pattern of attacks, intimidation, and property destruction during the party's recent presidential campaign flag-off in Birnin Kebbi. Malami, who previously served as Attorney General of the Federation, specifically claimed that political thugs were permitted by the state government to assault members of the ADC campaign convoy and vandalize media equipment. This incident reportedly occurred following a significant campaign event on a Thursday, which saw the attendance of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and other prominent national ADC leaders.

The allegations extend beyond the campaign rally itself. Malami also demanded an impartial investigation into the demolition of the Malami Pressure Group headquarters, located along Sani Abacha Bypass in Birnin Kebbi. He characterized this act as a direct threat to fundamental democratic freedoms, emphasizing the need for accountability. These accusations were formally presented in a statement released on Friday by his Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Doka, highlighting a growing tension surrounding the electoral process in Kebbi State.

The ADC candidate elaborated on the alleged incidents, stating that political thugs not only attacked his campaign convoy but also systematically destroyed media equipment. Furthermore, he reported the deployment of tear gas in areas where members of the visiting delegation were present, suggesting a coordinated effort to disrupt the event. Malami issued a stern warning against the misuse of political influence or government institutions to intimidate opposition figures, stressing that any involvement of security agencies in such actions would be unacceptable and necessitate a thorough investigation. These Nigerian electoral violence allegations underscore concerns about the fairness of the upcoming elections.

Regarding the Malami Pressure Group demolition, Malami challenged the state government's explanation. While the government denied involvement and attributed the incident to a private ownership dispute, Malami argued that such a denial does not absolve the need for complete transparency and accountability. He firmly asserted that political disagreements should never escalate into violence, harassment, or the destruction of property, advocating for a political environment free from such coercive tactics.

Malami underscored the constitutional guarantees afforded to citizens, specifically citing the rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. He urged the Kebbi State government, security agencies, and all political stakeholders to refrain from actions that could incite violence, emphasizing their collective responsibility to foster a peaceful political landscape. This stance highlights the importance of upholding democratic principles amidst heightened election activities, particularly concerning the Abubakar Malami political violence claims.

In response to these grave accusations, Ahmed Idris, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, categorically denied the state government's involvement. Idris maintained that the government neither intimidated ADC members nor interfered with their campaign activities. He stated that the ADC conducted its program without hindrance, and paradoxically, claimed that it was the opposition party's own supporters who were responsible for destroying a government billboard, directly refuting the claims of Kebbi State election intimidation.

Despite the escalating rhetoric and counter-allegations, Abubakar Malami appealed directly to supporters of the African Democratic Congress to maintain peace and adhere strictly to the law. He reiterated the party's commitment to achieving political change through legitimate democratic engagement, rather than resorting to confrontational or violent means. This call for restraint aims to de-escalate tensions and ensure that the focus remains on the democratic process, even in the face of alleged provocations.

The ongoing dispute between Malami and the Kebbi State government over these alleged Malami Kebbi government campaign attacks serves as a critical reminder of the challenges faced in ensuring free and fair elections. It underscores the necessity for all parties to respect established legal frameworks and constitutional rights, particularly the freedom of assembly and expression, to prevent further incidents of political violence and property destruction during the electoral cycle.

Lawyers should advise political clients on their constitutional rights regarding freedom of assembly and expression during election campaigns, and potential legal avenues for addressing alleged electoral violence, intimidation, or unlawful property demolition, particularly when state actors are implicated. This case highlights the need to monitor and document such incidents for potential litigation or regulatory complaints.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH