Gladness Gideon
The Kebbi State House of Assembly has come under intense criticism from civil society organisations and opposition parties following the donation of 25 vehicles to the Tinubu/Kaura 2 Terms (TKT) campaign group—a political organisation advocating for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Nasir Idris in 2027.
The vehicles, identified as Opel Zafira 2000 models, are estimated to cost between ₦3.5 million and ₦6 million each, based on current listings on Cars45.com. The donation was officially handed over by the Speaker of the Assembly, Alhaji Muhammad Usman-Zuru, who said the gesture fulfilled a promise made by the lawmakers during the inauguration of the TKT group on May 20, 2025.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Usman-Zuru praised both Tinubu and Governor Idris, stating that their leadership had positively impacted Kebbi State. “The essence of governance is the delivery of dividends of democracy to the citizenry, and Governor Nasir Idris has delivered beyond expectations across all areas of human endeavour,” he said.
The Speaker further noted that each of the 25 lawmakers contributed one vehicle, describing it as a personal commitment to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its leadership. He also commended Governor Idris for fostering a strong working relationship with the legislature.
However, the move has sparked widespread outrage, particularly among civic groups and political stakeholders, who have raised concerns over the use of public funds and the prioritisation of political interests over developmental needs.
Comrade Ibrahim Ngaski, Chairman of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Kebbi State, described the donation as “shocking and insensitive,” especially in light of the state’s ongoing challenges, including insecurity, widespread poverty, and a high number of out-of-school children.
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“This is not the way to go. The resources used to procure these vehicles could have been better utilised to tackle pressing socio-economic issues affecting our people,” Ngaski said. He added that even if the funds came from lawmakers’ salaries, they ultimately derive from taxpayer money and should be directed toward community development.
Abdullahi Mustapha, a spokesperson for the Coalition of Political Parties in Kebbi, echoed the criticism, urging lawmakers to demonstrate greater empathy and accountability. “With the level of poverty and hardship in Kebbi, the assembly members should not be spending money on vehicles for political campaigns. Their focus should be on serving the people who elected them,” he said.
In response, the Director-General of the TKT campaign group, Alhaji Abdulrahman Manga, expressed gratitude to the lawmakers for honouring their pledge. He disclosed that the group had now received a total of 70 vehicles, including the latest donations, and assured the public that the vehicles would be used strictly for campaign activities.
“We have trained drivers who have undergone road safety and defensive driving seminars. These vehicles will be deployed in accordance with the group’s objectives,” Manga stated.
As public debate intensifies, calls are growing for increased transparency and a clear distinction between public office responsibilities and political interests, particularly as the 2027 elections draw closer.