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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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.

Kano APC Stakeholders Endorse Murtala Garo for Deputy Governorship Position

Politics

Lagos 2027: APC Succession War Intensifies as Tinubu Reportedly Backs Hamzat

Published

11 hours ago

April 12, 2026

Trends Admin

Former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat

Lagos 2027: APC Succession War Intensifies as Tinubu Reportedly Backs Hamzat

Barely nine months to the governorship election in Lagos State, political activities have intensified as major aspirants begin early positioning for the seat of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s successor.

The emerging contest within the All Progressives Congress (APC) is already attracting strong attention due to the perceived influence of President Bola Tinubu, whose political authority in Lagos continues to shape succession politics in the state.

As the political leader of Lagos APC and a former governor of the state, Tinubu is widely seen as the central figure whose decision or signal could determine the outcome of the 2027 governorship race. Reports circulating within political circles claim that Tinubu may have directed key party structures, including the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), to support Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat as a possible consensus candidate. Although this has not been officially confirmed by the presidency or APC leadership, the claim has significantly reshaped political calculations and intensified lobbying across party blocs.

Within the APC, several political heavyweights are being mentioned as possible contenders, including Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, and former PDP governorship candidate Dr. Olajide Adediran (Jandor). Other figures previously speculated to be interested in the race, including Seyi Tinubu, son of President Tinubu, as well as some federal officials earlier linked to the contest, are now reportedly less active in the race. Political stakeholders say consultations and behind-the-scenes negotiations have already begun, with aspirants building alliances within party structures ahead of primaries.

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Despite widespread speculation, APC leadership in Lagos has maintained that no aspirant has been officially endorsed or anointed for the 2027 governorship election. The party recently completed internal restructuring, including the inauguration of ward and local government executives, as part of preparations for the general elections. The APC South-West leadership has also emphasized unity and internal cohesion as key priorities ahead of the 2027 polls.

Tension has grown within the APC as supporters of both Hamzat and Ambode continue to claim advantage based on perceived political signals from the presidency. Deputy Governor Hamzat, a two-term deputy to Governor Sanwo-Olu, is viewed as a strong continuity candidate with deep roots in the current administration. Ambode, who served as Lagos governor between 2015 and 2019, remains influential within Lagos politics despite his exit after one term in office. The competing interpretations of alleged endorsements have deepened internal divisions and triggered early political realignments within the party.

Adding to the political momentum, Ikeja Federal Constituency lawmaker James Faleke has openly declared support for Hamzat, urging APC members across Lagos to rally behind him ahead of the primaries. His endorsement is seen as a significant political development, given his strong grassroots influence within Lagos APC structures.

Meanwhile, stakeholders in the Badagry Division are intensifying calls for power rotation under the “Badagry Ló Kàn” movement, insisting that the area deserves the next governorship slot. They argue that Badagry remains the only division among Lagos State’s five traditional administrative divisions yet to produce a governor since the state’s creation in 1967. Community leaders, youth groups, and traditional rulers have continued to rally behind Dr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose (SMA Gold) as a possible consensus candidate if zoning favours the region. They have also pledged strong electoral support for APC and Tinubu if their demand is accommodated in the final decision-making process.

Despite rising tensions, political analysts believe the 2027 Lagos governorship race will ultimately be determined by the influence and final signal of President Tinubu and the APC national leadership. As alignments continue and consultations intensify, Lagos politics is expected to remain highly competitive, with party unity, zoning, and loyalty emerging as key deciding factors in the months ahead.