A politician standing trial for corruption can contest an election, be sworn in as governor, and have the criminal case against him suspended until he leaves office, a legal practitioner, Barrister Zurkallaini Sani Tsanyawa, has said.
The lawyer was reacting to the controversy surrounding the emergence of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Kebbi State despite his ongoing trial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Malami is facing a 16-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering before the Federal High Court in Abuja alongside his wife and son. The trio have all pleaded not guilty.
The Kebbi State chapter of the ADC has described the prosecution as politically motivated, insisting that the case will not affect Malami’s chances in the 2027 governorship election.
In a statement signed by the party’s State Chairman, Engr. Sufiyanu Bala, and Chairman of the ADC Elders Forum, Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Sambawa, the party alleged that the prosecution was aimed at weakening the opposition ahead of the elections.
Malami is not the only politician seeking elective office while defending corruption allegations in court.
Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, is also facing separate EFCC trials over alleged ₦110.4 billion fraud and ₦80.2 billion money laundering. Despite the ongoing cases, he has secured the APC ticket to contest the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 elections.
The two cases have renewed public debate over whether politicians facing criminal prosecution should be allowed to
