Politics

Presidential Race: Osinbajo’s Campaign Trips’ Funding Raises Dust

Published

4 years ago

May 27, 2022

Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo

The funding of the trips of the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo to states for his presidential campaigns ahead of the primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has continued to attract mixed reactions in the polity.

Osinbajo, one of the 23 aspirants eyeing the ticket of the ruling party has gone to 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to woo delegates and other stakeholders of the APC ahead of the presidential primary slated for May 29 and 30.

Daily Trust had reported how nine serving governors, who are also aspiring for the presidency have spent millions of naira to charter private jets to move around the country.

The vice president, who declared for the presidential race on April 11, has been going about to meet delegates using the 16-seater presidential jet across the country.

The Boeing 727-2N6 with registration no. 5N-FGN aircraft was used to Maiduguri, Borno State on Monday as part of his consultation.

It was not clear from which airport Osinbajo left for Maiduguri, a flight from Abuja to the Borno State capital, which is 710km takes about one hour and 10 minutes on the Boeing Jet used by the vice-president.

The aircraft consumes at least 4,500 litres per hour of flight. As at today, a litre of aviation fuel known as Jet A1, which has been on a steady increase in recent times, presently costs between N550 and N600 depending on the location.

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For instance, at the cost of N600 per litre, it implies that it would be costing the federal government about N2.7m to fuel the aircraft on each one-way trip embarked upon by the president and over N5m for a return trip.

Aides, others get DTA from government coffers

Aside from the use of a presidential jet, it was gathered that the vice president also travelled with a retinue of aides tagged Protocol, Security and Press (PSP).

Daily Trust reports that the vice president by virtue of his office as number two citizen travels with a retinue of aides drawn from different departments including the protocol, security, and media among others who are officially entitled to Duty Tour Allowance (DTA) of about N12,000 per day after each trip.

A source in the presidency told this paper that no fewer than 40 members of the PSP are on the entourage of the vice president.

Asked who pays the aides their Duty Tour Allowance (DTA), the source, who is familiar with the workings of the presidency, said they are being paid from the government coffers.

“You need to understand this, he is not an appointee, he was elected together with the president. He is eligible for all the entitlements of his office as the vice president.

“Who else will pay for their allowance? They are attached to the office of the vice president and as such, they will draw their allowances from the coffers,” he said,” pleading not to be named.

But another source said the allowances of aides on the vice president’s team are not being paid from the government coffers.

“Osinbajo was conscious of the implication of using the government’s fund to finance his campaign trips, hence he has been using donations from his movement and friends to fund his campaigns,” the source said.

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Use of presidential jet paid for in US – Aviation analyst

Aviation analyst, Group Capt. John Ojikutu said Nigerian leaders are thoughtless in the use of public facilities.

He said in the US, any unofficial use of the presidential jet is paid for.

In a chat with our correspondent, he said, “In the US, unofficial use of the presidential jet is paid for; the cost is the fare of a business class for each person on board including the media personnel.

“Trump would rather use his personal aircraft to go to Palm Beach in Miami on holidays when he was president. Unfortunately, our leaders in the administration of our government are reckless in the use of our public facilities including the use of security personnel.”

Our correspondents report that President Muhammadu Buhari also used Presidential Jet during his 2015 re-election campaign.

It’s an act of corruption – Kari

According to an associate Professor of Political Sociology, University of Abuja, Dr Abubakar Umar Kari, the use of state resources by government officials for campaigns was an act of corruption.

“Government officials using state resources for political campaigns were morally reprehensible, legally unjustifiable and logically unacceptable. It is an act of corruption and a clear abuse of office. No impunity is greater.

“In saner climes, it is enough to put the offending officer in trouble – and that’s how it ought to be here.

“It’s regrettable that our moral and political values are so low and so loose that we do not even seem to realise that such a thing is wrong. Beyond being a misnomer, it also confers an unfair advantage on the officer over and above his opponents who are not so opportune.

“It personalises things that are public and makes strictly the property of the state to become or be used as booty by virtue of being in power or in office. But let’s face it: Osinbajo is not alone in this. Everyone from the president to councillor, and even their wives, children and friends, are engaged in it,” he said.

VP hasn’t breached law, conduct raises moral questions – Lawyers

Lawyers have said that Osinbajo’s use of official jets, vehicles and other facilities for his 2023 presidential campaigns has not breached any law, but could pose some moral issues.

Speaking on the matter, Paul Ananaba (SAN) said it is not illegal because even the American president and vice president use their official vehicles while going for campaigns.

“Their securities are not bifurcated because they are now going for campaigns. The Airforce One is what they use. So, those are part of the appurtenances of democracy. So, there is nothing wrong with that,” he said.

However, E.M.D. Umukoro Esq said although there is no law specifically prohibiting a sitting vice president from the use of public resources for campaigns, moral questions are bound to be raised.

He, therefore, called for inclusion into the statutes a law prohibiting the use of government jets, vehicles and others for campaigns.

“Unless there is a law that specifically puts that into contemplation, issues about it cannot be raised. Whether we like it or not, it gives the person an edge. It’s just like the president or governor seeking a second term using state apparatus and machinery.

“People need to raise this and when it is raised, we begin to look at the state and federal level and streamline it. This is why they talk about the power of incumbency,” he said.

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Dabiri-Erewa Warns Obidients Could Hurt Peter Obi’s 2027 Ambition

Published

10 minutes ago

April 12, 2026

Trends Admin

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM)

Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa

Dabiri-Erewa Warns Obidients Could Hurt Peter Obi’s 2027 Ambition

The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has sparked widespread reactions after criticising supporters of Peter Obi, describing some of them as “monsters” and warning that their conduct could undermine his political ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections.

The controversy followed a post shared by Dabiri-Erewa on her verified X (formerly Twitter) account, where she highlighted her recent visit to Silicon Valley in California, United States. During the visit, she met with Nigerian professionals in the tech industry and experienced a ride in a driverless car, which she described as impressive and forward-looking.

In the post, she expressed appreciation to Nigerian architect and designer Kunle Adeyemo for hosting her during the tour. However, the update quickly drew backlash from some social media users who criticised her for praising technological advancement abroad while, in their view, supporting political structures at home that do not reflect similar progress.

Some of the reactions were sharply critical and, in certain instances, abusive, with users accusing her of hypocrisy and questioning her political stance. The exchange quickly escalated into a heated online debate.

In response, Dabiri-Erewa defended her position and took aim at a segment of Obi’s supporters, popularly known as the Obidient movement, accusing them of engaging in toxic and aggressive online behaviour.

She wrote that Obi had “raised monsters” and warned that if such behaviour continued unchecked, it could ultimately harm his chances in future political contests, particularly the 2027 presidential race.

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Dabiri-Erewa further suggested that the same supporters could become a liability to Obi, even if political power eventually rotates to the South-East region, where Obi hails from.

Doubling down in subsequent posts, she reiterated that the conduct of some supporters reflects poorly on the former Labour Party presidential candidate and stressed the need for him to call them to order.

She also rejected criticism that her status as a public official should prevent her from engaging online critics, insisting that her social media account is personal and that she has the right to respond to attacks directed at her.

The remarks have since generated mixed reactions across Nigeria’s political space, with critics of Obi aligning with Dabiri-Erewa’s position, while his supporters argue that her comments are unfair and politically motivated.

Supporters of Obi maintain that the Obidient movement is largely grassroots-driven and issue-focused, adding that online excesses by a few individuals should not define the broader movement.

As of the time of filing this report, Peter Obi has not issued an official response to the NiDCOM chair’s remarks.

Political analysts say the episode highlights the growing influence—and risks—of digital political movements and online activism in Nigeria, especially as the country gradually shifts toward the 2027 election cycle.

Dabiri-Erewa Warns Obidients Could Hurt Peter Obi’s 2027 Ambition

Politics

BREAKING: ADC Names Atiku, Peter Obi, Others for Tuesday Convention Planning

Published

2 hours ago

April 12, 2026

Trends Admin

BREAKING: ADC Names Atiku, Peter Obi, Others for Tuesday Convention Planning

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has nominated former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi to play key roles in the party’s upcoming National Convention.

The convention is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, April 14, and is expected to bring together party leaders, delegates, and political stakeholders from across Nigeria as the ADC seeks to reposition itself ahead of future elections.

According to party arrangements, former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke has been appointed as Chairman of the 126-member National Convention Planning Committee, which will oversee logistics, accreditation, and coordination of the convention process.

Former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal was named Deputy Chairman of the planning committee, while other prominent political figures were also included to strengthen the convention’s organisational structure.

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Among those listed as members of the committee are former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, alongside other national stakeholders drawn from different geopolitical zones.

Party insiders say the inclusion of high-profile political figures reflects ADC’s attempt to build a broad-based coalition and increase its visibility within Nigeria’s opposition space.

The convention is expected to focus on internal restructuring, leadership coordination, and strategies aimed at strengthening the party’s national presence ahead of upcoming electoral cycles.

Political observers note that the presence of influential figures such as Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso, and Amaechi on the planning structure signals increased political realignment discussions within Nigeria’s opposition landscape.

Although the party has not officially confirmed whether the individuals will attend in person or serve in advisory capacities, preparations for the convention are reportedly in advanced stages.

Security and logistics arrangements are being finalised as the ADC prepares to host a large gathering of delegates and party stakeholders for the high-profile event.

BREAKING: ADC Names Atiku, Peter Obi, Others for Tuesday Convention Planning

Politics

Kano APC Stakeholders Endorse Murtala Garo for Deputy Governorship Position

Published

3 hours ago

April 12, 2026

Trends Admin

Murtala Sule Garo

Kano APC Stakeholders Endorse Murtala Garo for Deputy Governorship Position

Key stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State have reportedly endorsed former Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Murtala Sule Garo, as the leading contender for the vacant deputy governorship position in Kano State. The endorsement followed a late-night strategy meeting held on Sunday, where influential party figures and key blocs within the APC allegedly reached a broad consensus in support of Garo, with insiders claiming he secured about 90 per cent backing from participants. The meeting is part of ongoing political consultations aimed at filling the vacancy created by the resignation of former Deputy Governor Abdussalam Aminu Gwarzo, as stakeholders work to maintain stability and unity within the party structure.

Murtala Sule Garo

Former Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, was among the prominent stakeholders at the meeting and strongly advocated for Garo’s consideration. He described Garo as a loyal, experienced, and grassroots-oriented politician, urging political leaders to support his emergence in the interest of stability and effective governance in Kano State.

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Although three names were initially considered—including Rabiu Suleiman Bichi and Kabiru Alhassan Rurum—sources said discussions gradually shifted in favour of Garo during the meeting. Party insiders noted that deliberations eventually produced near-unanimous support for him, citing his political experience, acceptability, and long-standing involvement in Kano politics as key factors.

Several prominent APC leaders were reportedly involved in or aligned with the endorsement, including former Kano State Governor and ex-APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former Deputy Governor Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi, Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila, Senator Garba Lado, and other influential party stakeholders. Others said to have shown support include APC chieftain AA Zaura, Hon. Hamisu Chidari, Hon. Abdulhamin Jibrin Kofa, and Hon. Abdullahi Sani Rogo.

Stakeholders attributed Garo’s strong backing to his extensive political experience, which includes serving as PDP Organising Secretary in 2007, Special Adviser under former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Chairman of ALGON, and a two-term commissioner in Kano State. He also served as the APC deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections, a factor insiders say strengthens his suitability for the position.

Party sources say Garo’s possible emergence could help reinforce APC unity in Kano State and provide political stability during a sensitive period of leadership transition. They also noted that his current lack of a government position could ease his appointment without disrupting administrative structures. However, the endorsement is not final, as party leaders are still engaged in consultations before a formal decision is reached.