Malami and Bello's Trials Spark Debate on Election Eligibility

Barrister Zurkallaini Sani Tsanyawa stated that a politician standing trial for corruption can contest elections and be sworn in, with their criminal case suspended until they leave office. This comment follows the emergence of Abubakar Malami (SAN), the former Attorney-General of the Federation, as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Kebbi State, despite facing a 16-count charge of alleged money laundering before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Malami, along with his wife and son, has pleaded not guilty, and the ADC claims the prosecution is politically motivated. Similarly, former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello is facing separate EFCC trials for alleged ₦110.4 billion fraud and ₦80.2 billion money laundering but has secured the APC ticket for the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 elections.

Tsanyawa emphasized that the Constitution allows candidates facing trials but not yet convicted to contest for office, citing Sections 131 and 177, which do not disqualify pending criminal cases.