The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami has withdrawn from the Kebbi State governorship race.
Umar Jibrilu Gwandu, Malami’s spokesman, said in a statement on Saturday that his principal did for “altruism and patriotism” reasons.
Malami had since declared interest to run for Kebbi State governorship position.
On Wednesday, President Muhammadu Buhari directed members of his cabinet with political ambitions to resign.
Malami and Labour Minister, Chris Ngige, who declared to run for presidency, following the directive by Buhari, abandoned their political ambitions.
In the Saturday statement on Malami’s jettisoning of his governorship ambition, Gwandu said, “Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami has not resigned
“He withdrew his ambition to contest for the 2023 Kebbi State Gubernatorial Elections.
“Malami has the right to choose to voluntarily shelve his gubernatorial ambition. It is a matter of personal conviction and individual right which didn’t violate any law.
“Right thinking members of the society accord respect to individual’s right to freedom of choice in matters relating to this.
“As individual Nigerian citizens with inalienable fundamental rights, we are not aware of any legally justifiable and reasonable tenable obligations compelling the person of Abubakar Malami, SAN or as an Attorney General of the Federation to do otherwise.
“The decision is not only a demonstration of altruism and patriotism, but of contentment, self-control, placidity and decisiveness in problem-solving at a time shrouded with confusing and competing stimulus. It is a commendable posture worthy of admiration coming from a paragon of virtue.”