Kebbi Lawmakers Face Backlash Over Vehicle Donations to Tinubu/Idris 2027 Campaign Group

Lawmakers in the Kebbi State House of Assembly are under intense scrutiny following their donation of 25 vehicles to the Tinubu/Kaura Two-Terms (TKT) campaign group — a political organization working to secure the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Nasir Idris in 2027.

Each of the 25 legislators reportedly contributed an Opel Zafira 2000 model vehicle, with individual market values estimated between ₦3.5 million and ₦6 million.

The donation was officially handed over by Speaker Muhammad Usman-Zuru, who stated that the gesture fulfilled a pledge made during the group’s inauguration on May 20, 2025. He described the contribution as a demonstration of loyalty to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and recognition of Governor Idris’s “excellent performance” and President Tinubu’s ongoing support for Kebbi State.

Usman-Zuru emphasized that the vehicles were procured with personal funds, not from state resources. He also praised the governor for fostering a productive relationship between the executive and legislative branches, pledging continued legislative backing.

However, the move has drawn strong criticism from civil society groups and opposition parties, who questioned the timing, motive, and appropriateness of the donation.

Ibrahim Ngaski, Chairman of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Kebbi State, labeled the donation “insensitive” amid ongoing socio-economic challenges, including widespread poverty, insecurity, and a high number of out-of-school children.

“Even if these vehicles were purchased from their salaries, it’s still taxpayers’ money. Lawmakers should prioritize their constituents’ needs, not political campaigns,” Ngaski said.

Abdullahi Mustapha, a representative of the Coalition of Political Parties in Kebbi, echoed the criticism, calling the donation a “misplaced priority” and urging legislators to focus on public service over partisan activities.

In response, Abdulrahman Manga, Director-General of the TKT campaign group, expressed gratitude to the lawmakers, noting that the vehicles would be used exclusively for campaign operations. He also revealed that the group had received a total of 70 vehicles so far and confirmed that all drivers had undergone road safety and defensive driving training.

Despite assurances, public concern continues to mount over the ethical and financial implications of the donation, with calls for greater accountability and a redirection of political focus toward urgent developmental needs.