Experts debate: Can politicians facing corruption trials run for 2027 office?
Former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami (SAN), facing 16-count EFCC money laundering trial with his wife and son, emerged as ADC's Kebbi State governorship candidate for 2027. Simultaneously, former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello, facing EFCC trials over ₦110.4 billion fraud and ₦80.2 billion money laundering, secured APC's Kogi Central senatorial ticket. Legal expert Barrister Zurkallaini Sani Tsanyawa cites Constitution Sections 308, 131, 177 and 36(5) to argue politicians facing trial (but not convicted) remain constitutionally eligible for office, with immunity pausing—not ending—trials if elected. However, NPSA VP Professor Murtala Muhammad warns this trend exposes electoral/judicial weaknesses, letting officials use office as 'shield from prosecution' to delay trials and erode public trust in democratic institutions. Muhammad urges constitutional/electoral reforms to fast-track politically exposed persons' corruption cases, create special anti-corruption courts with strict timelines, and curb unnecessary adjournments—citing Brazil and Italy where timely prosecution boosts trust without compromising fair hearings. As 2027 approaches, voters must weigh candidates' legal predicaments against constitutional rights when deciding their votes.