Jigawa Governor Under Fire as PDP Condemns ‘Extravagant’ Official Car Purchase

The Jigawa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has condemned Governor Umar Namadi’s recent procurement of high-end vehicles for his official motorcade, labeling the expenditure as irresponsible and out of touch with citizens’ economic struggles.

PDP State Publicity Secretary Umar Kyari, in a Thursday press release from Dutse, accused the administration of prioritizing luxury over public welfare during severe financial hardships.

Kyari said: “The acquisition is an insult to the sensibilities of the suffering masses of Jigawa State and a clear demonstration of the current administration’s insensitivity and detachment from the harsh economic realities faced by its citizens.”

The opposition party described the move as “reckless extravagance” and accused the Namadi-led government of displaying “a blatant disregard for fiscal prudence and the welfare of the people.”

The PDP noted that this was not the first time the state government had engaged in such spending.

“Before assuming office, the governor and his deputy were beneficiaries of a fleet of expensive vehicles.

“In 2024, the government further depleted public funds by acquiring another set of high-end luxury vehicles, including Lexus SUVs, Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs, and a Maybach Mercedes-Benz,” the statement read.

The party questioned the rationale behind repeated acquisitions of luxury vehicles, especially in a state it described as one of the poorest in the country, plagued by high poverty and unemployment rates, poor healthcare facilities, and a struggling education system.

“Our communities are yearning for basic amenities, improved infrastructure, and genuine empowerment initiatives,” the statement continued.

Rather than addressing the challenges, the PDP said the government “continues to prioritise ostentatious displays of wealth and comfort for a select few at the expense of the collective,” calling the trend a “demonstration of misplaced priorities.”

The PDP called on the government to immediately halt what it termed “profligate spending” and to redirect resources towards programmes that would directly benefit the people.

The party has also called for full transparency and accountability on the recent and previous vehicle purchases.

“We urge the good people of Jigawa State to continue to hold this government accountable and demand judicious utilisation of public funds,” Kyari added.