Despite video ‘evidence’, AGF Malami denies signifying interest in Kebbi governorship race

The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, says he has yet to declare interest to contest for any elective position in the 2023 general elections.

His Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations, Umar Jibrilu Gwandu, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja amid reports that the minister has declared to join the governorship race in Kebbi State.

His claim runs contrary to a video published by Arise TV in which Malami, speaking in Hausa, appeared to signify interest in the race.

“If God in his mercies permits, and all goes well, I will as a politician contest the governorship of Kebbi State. I am seeking your support,” Malami appeared to have said in the video.

“I want to announce that I will contest indeed, and as such, I am counting on your prayers and support so that we can all work and survive the race together,” he added.

But Gwandu described the video as ‘false and fabricated publication’.

He said the declaration to contest for a political position was never a hidden affair or clandestine operation that could be reported as a scoop by a section of the media.

Rather, Malami’s spokesman stated that the report was triggered out of curiosity and eagerness by followers and loyalists.

“A video being circulated as the purported declaration was mischievously translated with fabricated insertions and interpolations that cannot in spirit and context establish the misinformation circulated,” the statement said.

The minister, however, thanked his supporters and the general public for expressing their interest.

At the appropriate time, according to Gwandu, the people will “hear from the horse’s mouth” in the full glare of the media, stakeholders, like-minds, party faithful, and supporters.