AttorneyGeneral of the Federation Abubakar Malami has shared 200 Mercedes and Toyota SUVs to curry the favour of Kebbi delegates ahead of the 2023 general elections with his eyes fixed on the Kebbi governorship seat. 

Since Mr Malami’s declaration to contest in April on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the justice minister has begun to lavish exotic gifts on party delegates to secure their support, loyalty, and votes for the governorship primary elections slated for May 23.

The latest gifts include 200 vehicles comprising 60 Toyota Prado SUVs, 65 Toyota RAV4 SUVs, 35 Mercedes Benz GLK 350 SUVs and 40 Lexus LX SUVs, according to a Kebbi politician present at the distribution ceremony, after photos of the vehicles were shared on social media on Monday morning.

The politician, who sought anonymity because of his closeness to Mr Malami’s campaign, said more vehicles were expected from Lagos to be distributed to politicians across the state before and after the primaries.

The AGF actively pursuing his political ambition alongside his ministerial appointment has stirred controversy and raised questions about his eligibility to run.

Mr Malami defended his refusal to resign. 

He cited the contentious expungement of section 84(12) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which states that “no political appointee at any level shall be a voting delegate or be voted for at the convention or congress of any political party for the purpose of the nomination of candidates for any election.”

Considered to no longer exist until an appellate court restores the expunged section, Mr Malami believes he can hold onto his position as AGF and justice minister while chasing his political ambition.

Last week, Femi Gbajabiamila, the speaker of the House of Representatives, warned that such obstinate behaviour might result in the nullification of APC primaries.