The donation of 25 cars to the Tinubu/Kaura 2 Terms (TKT) campaign group, which is aiming to re-elect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Nasir Idris in 2027, has drawn harsh condemnation from lawmakers in the Kebbi State House of Assembly.
Each of the 25 MPs reportedly contributed an Opel Zafira 2000 model automobile, with estimated prices ranging from N3.5 million to N6 million.
Speaker of the House Muhammad Usman-Zuru gave the cars to the group, stating that it was a commitment made at the group’s May 20, 2025, inauguration.
According to Usman-Zuru, the donation was made in appreciation of President Tinubu’s support for Kebbi State and Governor Idris’s outstanding performance, as well as a demonstration of loyalty to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He asserted that the MPs’ contribution came from their own pockets rather than the state’s. He also promised to continue supporting Governor Idris’ administration and praised him for keeping a friendly relationship with the legislature.
However, the donation infuriated the state’s opposition political parties and civil society organizations, who questioned the financing source and timing.
The Chairman of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Kebbi State, Ibrahim Ngaski, described the donation as insensitive in light of the state’s economic challenges, including insecurity, poverty, and a high number of out-of-school children.
“Even if the vehicles were bought from their salaries, it’s still taxpayers’ money,” he said, urging lawmakers to instead focus on addressing pressing needs in their constituencies.
Similarly, Abdullahi Mustapha, a member of the Coalition of Political Parties in the state, condemned the lawmakers’ action, describing it as a misplaced priority. He called on the assembly members to channel their resources towards public welfare instead of partisan politics.
TKT Director-General Abdulrahman Manga accepted the vehicles on behalf of the campaign group, thanked the MPs for their support, and stated that the vehicles will only be used for campaign-related purposes.
The group has received 70 vehicles so far, he continued, and all drivers have undertaken defensive driving and road safety training.
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