By Emmanuel Nduka
Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has debunked public speculations that he has declared to run for Office of the Governor of Kebbi State.
Malami who spoke through his Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations, Dr. Umar Gwandu in a statement on Tuesday, described the reports as mischievous, and that he was yet to make such a declaration.
He said the clarification became necessary in view of a false and fabricated publication in some sections of the media.
Reports had filled the Nigerian social media space stating that Malami had declared interest in the Kebbi governorship race, under the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC).
The said declaration was captured in a video posted by Arise TV on Tuesday, wherein, he allegedly stated: “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”.
“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.
“I have no history of betrayal, and I won’t betray you, people. I will work for you,” he said.
Refuting the video, Malami 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.
He added that the report was triggered out of curiosity and eagerness by followers and loyalists, and thanked “the teaming supporters of the Minister and the general public for expressing their interest”.
The statement added that at the appropriate “time they will hear from the horses mouth in full glare of the media, stakeholders, like-minds, party faithful and teaming supporters”.