Politics
Ebonyi, Kano, others spend Billions On Cars For Lawmakers
Many state governors have spent billions of naira to purchase exotic vehicles of different foreign brands for members of the state houses of assembly despite the economic downturn in the country, Daily Trust can report.
Analyses by Daily Trust indicated that nine states have expended over N15bn on different brands of vehicles mostly for lawmakers in the current political dispensation.
Kano
Recently, the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabiru Yusuf, gave N2.7 billion worth of exotic vehicles to the members of the state assembly, some of whom have already taken delivery of the sports utility vehicles (SUVs) valued at N68 million each.
The Kano Assembly is made up of 25 members from the governor’s New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and 14 from the All Progressives Congress (APC), with the election of one yet to be decided.
Lawmakers get SUVs in Benue
All the 32 members of the Benue State House of Assembly have taken delivery of their SUVs purchased for them by Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Each of the vehicle is said to cost about N60 million.
Gombe
In Gombe State, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, on December 30, 2023 presented 41 brand new SUVs to all the 24 members of the state assembly and 17 commissioners. It was learnt that each of the 41 GAC Motor ‘All New GS4’ vehicles cost about N33.5 million.
Governor Yahaya said the vehicles were purchased to help the lawmakers carry out their oversight functions and effectively participate in governance.
Kogi State
In Kogi State, the former Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello presented 40 SUVs and four Hilux vans to the state’s lawmakers and judges on December 22, 2023. That was about one month before he left office.
The speaker of the state assembly, Umar Yusuf, got an SUV and two supporting cars, including a Toyota Hilux van; while his deputy, the majority leader and 22 other members got one each.
When contacted, some of the lawmakers did not disclose how much the vehicles gulped; while the Commissioner for Information, Kinsley Fanwo, did not reply to a text message sent to his mobile telephone line.
Ondo
The late former governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, last August presented vehicles manufactured by JAC Motors, to the 26 members of the state assembly “to ease” their duties. Sources at the Government House told Daily Trust that each of the cars cost N19 million.
Two Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs valued at N106 million each were also purchased for Speaker Olamide Oladiji and Deputy Speaker Abayomi Akinrutan.
Ebonyi
The governor of Ebonyi state, Francis Nwifuru, purchased VXR Land Cruiser Prado Jeeps for all the 24 members of the state assembly.
It was gathered that each of the car costs around N51 million.
Kebbi State
Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, few months ago, distributed Toyota Jeeps to the 24 members of the state assembly.
A top government official in the state told our correspondent that the vehicles were valued at over N1.9 billion.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ahmed Idris, told Daily Trust that the vehicles were procured for the government officials to carry out their duties efficiently.
Osun State
The Osun State Government distributed new Fortuner brand cars for all the 26 members of the state assembly this year.
The cost of the cars could not be ascertained as government officials spoken to declined comment.
Niger
In Niger State, 25 of the 27 members of the state assembly got Prado Jeep each from Governor Mohammed Bago; while the speaker and his deputy reportedly got Land Cruiser Jeep.
Each of the Prado Jeeps was said to have been purchased for about N70 million.
Delta
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori earlier this month gifted members of the National Assembly from the state with cars to aid them in the course of their national assignment.
After taking delivery of his own car, the chairman of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Rules and Business, Francis Ejiroghene Waive, described Oborevwori as Delta State.
‘It’s misplacement of priority’
A former chairman of the National Conscience Party (NCP), Bayo Ogunleye described the endless purchase of cars as misplacement of priority.
He however stated that the state lawmakers were only taking after their colleagues in the National Assembly who have also purchased different exotic cars.
According to him, since the federal government can’t be stopped from purchasing vehicles, it would be difficult to convince the states against buying such expensive vehicles.
“All the so-called elected people have become unconcerned about the plight of the people. Look at the situation in the country, people are hungry, prices of food items are high and yet you are buying expensive vehicles for lawmakers.”
CSOs speak out
Senior Communications Officer, Yiaga Africa, Mark Amaza, in an interview with Daily Trust, said considering the economic situation of Nigeria, spending “so much on a small group of people does not convey concern for the plight of their constituents.”
“The second is that such a gift from the governor to the legislators does not only signify the lack of financial autonomy of the house, but also begs the question: will the same legislators then be able to hold the executive accountable and provide the check and balance that is expected of them?”
Executive Director, Cleen Foundation, Gad Peter, said gifting cars to lawmakers and other government officials had become a “ritual, a tradition, a norm in Nigeria for the executive.
“We saw this same conversation when the National Assembly came with its own proposal. When you talk, they say they need those cars to go to their communities, that the roads are not good. But why don’t you make the roads more motorable and spend less?
“So, if we invest this money in capital project, we’re getting this infrastructure working.”
Also speaking to Daily Trust, Executive Director, Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), Ibrahim Zikirullahi, noted that the Federal government did same despite public opposition, lamenting that “the height of insensitivity to the plight of the ordinary citizen is alarming, especially with the federal government’s proposed minimum wage.”
Daily Trust
The decision was taken during plenary on Tuesday at the Assembly complex in Dutse, the state capital, as the party continues to deal with the fallout from recent primaries.
The action comes amid a wave of suspensions across Jigawa APC following the recently conducted primary election.
Several special advisers and special assistants have already been suspended statewide over alleged anti-party activities from state level down to local government level.
Maigari, who doubles as the councillor representing Auyo Ward, was suspended after the House considered a motion by the Majority Leader, Lawan Dansure.
The motion sought disciplinary action against the lawmaker for conduct deemed harmful to party cohesion.
Moving the motion during the Assembly’s plenary session on Tuesday, Dansure urged members to support the suspension.
He said the House must act to protect the integrity of the ruling party ahead of 2027.
According to him, the actions of the Speaker of Auyo Legislative Council are detrimental to the unity, stability, and progress of the All Progressives Congress in the state.
“His actions are detrimental to the unity, stability, and progress of the All Progressives Congress,” Dansure told the House.
He argued that anti-party conduct at the grassroots level could undermine APC’s performance in future elections.
He said the House could not fold its arms while party discipline was being tested.
“Hon. Haruna Maigari is hereby suspended as Speaker of Auyo Legislative Council over alleged anti-party activities,” Dangyatin announced during plenary.
The Speaker also said the House remains committed to party discipline at all levels of governance in the state.
Dangyatin then constituted an investigative committee to look into the matter and report back within two weeks.
“The committee is expected to establish facts and recommend further action based on its findings,” he said.
The Speaker also directed the suspended lawmaker to hand over all official documents in his possession to the Deputy Speaker of Auyo Legislative Council.
He said the handover must be done immediately to ensure continuity of council business.
Meanwhile, the House also received a formal notification from Governor Umar Namadi regarding an official trip.
“The governor is billed to attend a two-day West African Rice Investment Roundtable in Accra, Ghana,” the Speaker said during the plenary session of the Assembly.
Dangyatin, who explained that the governor’s foreign engagement will hold between June 2 and June 3, 2026, added that “the governor’s participation is aimed at attracting investment to Jigawa’s rice value chain.”
By Chinedu Sabastine
Mr. Samson Chukwu Nnamani has declared that he remains the authentic governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State ahead of the 2027 election.
Nnamani made this known on Friday during a press briefing held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Enugu.
Reacting to allegations that he was suspended from the party before the PDP governorship primary election, Nnamani dismissed the claim, questioning how a supposedly suspended aspirant could participate in the exercise and secure votes.
“The purported claim that I was suspended is very funny. If I was suspended as they claim, how can they attribute votes for me during their kangaroo primary,” Nnamani questioned.
Represented by his Media Director, Dr. Buchi Nnaji, the PDP chieftain said his authenticity derives from the present recognition of the Abdulrahman-led faction of the PDP by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), of which he is a member.
The clarification followed the emergence of multiple claimants to the PDP governorship ticket in Enugu State.
Nnamani insisted that the party was no longer factionalised following INEC’s recognition of the Abdulrahman-led PDP leadership, noting that the panel which declared him winner where sent from their headquaters, Abuja.
Nnamani expressed gratitude to PDP leaders and supporters whom he said turned out massively on Sunday, May 24, 2026, to elect him as the party’s governorship candidate.
He pledged to reposition Enugu State through infrastructure development, job creation and people-oriented policies.
“As the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Enugu State, I remain committed to the ideals of good governance, inclusive leadership, economic development, youth empowerment, quality education, improved healthcare and enhanced security for all residents,” he said.
He added that his aspiration was to build “a greater Enugu State where opportunities abound for every citizen, irrespective of political affiliation, religion or social status.”
According to him, his administration would prioritise infrastructure development, industrialisation, support for small businesses and welfare programmes aimed at improving the lives of the people.
“We shall also review and remove policies and practices that are truncating the wellbeing, economic survival and social advancement of the citizens,” he stated.
Nnamani further called on stakeholders, party faithful, youths, women, traditional rulers and the people of Enugu State to join hands in building “a united, peaceful and progressive state.”
“Together, we can achieve the Enugu of our dreams,” he added.
The Presidency has reacted following the circulation of an alleged WhatsApp voice note in which President Bola Tinubu reportedly claims he begged opposition figure Peter Obi to step down ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The reaction came on Wednesday from Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President.
Onanuga condemned the audio file, labeling it a fabrication and called for legal action against popular social media critic VeryDarkMan who shared it.
“This VDM needs to face the weight of the law for being the conveyor and disseminator of a fake audio of President Tinubu. This is a clear case of an egregious abuse of the social media platform.,” Onanuga tweeted.
In the viral video, VeryDarkMan used the alleged leaked audio to urge Nigerians to vote against President Tinubu’s reelection bid in the upcoming 2027 polls.
Recall that just days ago, on Saturday, May 23, 2026, President Tinubu secured the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a landslide nationwide direct primary election.
During that contest, Tinubu faced a lone challenger, Edo State businessman and APC chieftain Stanley Osifo. The President won with 10,999,162 votes from the 12,643,306 registered party members, while Osifo secured 16,503 votes.
Meanwhile, Peter Obi, who finished third in the 2023 election, is widely expected to fly the flag for the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). Both Obi and Tinubu hail from the southern region of Nigeria and are set to face last year’s runner-up, Atiku Abubakar, who is expected to lead the ticket for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party in Ebonyi State, Ifeanyichukwuma Odii, has accused Governor Francis Nwifuru of running the state like a personal family business.
Odii made the remark shortly after emerging as the PDP governorship candidate for the 2027 election following the party’s primary election conducted across the 13 local government areas of the state.
Speaking to party supporters in Abakaliki, Odii said the 2027 election would be about rescuing Ebonyi from poor governance and restoring economic growth and public welfare.
“Ebonyi can never be consumed. Ebonyi can never be conquered. Ebonyi can never become a personal family business, and we are here for the rescue of our dear state,” he stated.
The PDP flag bearer pledged to improve the welfare of civil servants and teachers while promising policies aimed at reviving the state’s economy.
Odii also dismissed fears over political opposition ahead of the election, insisting that his focus remained the development and progress of Ebonyi State.
By Okey Maduforo Awka
The trio of Sen Stella Odua, Chief Dozie Nwankwo, Chief Chinedu Obidigwe among others emerged winners of the All Progressives Grand Alliance( APGA) primary elections in Anambra state.
Odua emerged as Senatorial candidate for Anambra North District, Dozie Nwankwo was nominated as candidate for Anambra Central District while Chinedu Obidigwe won the nomination for Anambra East and West Federal Constituency
Similarly Chief Emma Nwachukwu, Chief Paschal Agbodike, Mrs Mourine Gwacham were returned by the party members for the second term as candidates of the party for Anambra South District , Oyi -Ayamelum as well as Ihiala Federal Constituencies.
In a joint press briefing of the National Assembly and State Assembly Committees Mr Agunzi Victor (SAN) , described the exercise as transparent, peaceful and seemless adding that both the winners and aspirants who did not win appreciated the peaceful process.
Both Committees lauded the National leadership for creating a conducive environment for them to discharge their duties .
‘We will have to specifically commend the National leadership of our party and the Governor of Anambra state who is the National leader of our great party for providing the conducive atmosphere and also making the entire exercise free and credible devoid of any interference ”
“He has indeed demonstrated that he is a true democrat and we commend him for that and we hope that other leaders would emulate his attitude”
“He allowed us the member of the Committees to carry out the process that the winners of the primary elections reflect the wished of the members of the party”
In the case of Awka North and South Federal Constituency the committee had reasons to reschedule seven ward elections two in Awka North and five in Awka South local government areas as well as Dunukofia Njikoka Anaocha Federal Constituency.
“We have reasons to reschedule the supplementary primary elections across some wards within the state”
“We had supplementary elections in some wards in the Anaocha -Dunukofia – Njikoka Fed Constituency and Chinedu Oli was nominated ”
“We had another one within Awka North and South we had reason to hold supplementary elections within Awka North and South which led to the nomination of Chief Obi Nwankwo”
“Two in Awka North and five in Awka South”
“,In the case of Awka North and South Federal Constituency there is a provision in our party guideline they after the completion of the election there are places that election could not hold due to one reason or the other, we are to reschedule the another supplement election. so as to determine the winner within that Constituency”
“In this case the margin of wining after the first primary election of 23rd was quite lesser than the number of registered members within these seven wards ”
“Because the margin we had was about 200 votes but registered members of the party that did not vote is over 4,000 in those wards ”
“Proceeding with the results will amount to denying them the right to vote and the All Progressives Grand Alliance is determined to ensure that no member of our party is disenfranchised “he said.
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