As tenures of certain governors run out, concerns are being raised in political circles about the rush of departing governors to obtain Senate seats after leaving office.
As governors are purportedly positioned to unseat incumbent senators, governors do the could to win the hearts of the masses. One of such ways is to ensure that they make traditional rulers be pleased with them. Hence, recent show of gestures, such as gifting brand new cars to traditional rules, has suggested that more outgoing governors could do the same as 2027 draws closer.
Bauchi State governor
Governor of Bauchi state, Bala Muhammed has announced that his government has gifted over a hundred new cars to news traditional rulers and district heads in the state.
The governor announced this act which he called a “deliberate effort to strengthen grassroots governance and deepen community engagement.” in an X (formely Twitter) post on Monday.
The northern governor, who is still torn between joining the ADC or APC after being rejected by the later, was seen commissioning the new cars and handling keys to recipient traditional rulers. Gov. Bala’s vehicle presentation occured just four days after Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State rolled out a total of 40 SUVs to traditional rulers and monarchs in the state.
“I remain committed to extending this support across both long-established and newly created emirates, chiefdoms, and districts, ensuring that governance in Bauchi State remains inclusive and aligned with our broader development agenda,” the statement read.
“I also emphasized the critical importance of close collaboration with our traditional institutions in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity.
“The Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Isa Babayo Tilde, reaffirmed our ministry’s strong commitment to working hand-in-hand with traditional institutions, recognizing their vital role in maintaining peace and mobilizing our communities”, the governors’s statement added.
Ogun State governor
The Ogun State governor also rolled out 40 SUVs for traditional rulers in the state, just four days earlier than his Bauchi counterpart.
At the event which took place at the Obas’ Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Thursday, Gov. Abiodun said the gifts were an expression of gratitude for the monarchs’ cooperation and help in maintaining peace, stability, and growth throughout the state. He described traditional rulers as guardians of culture and tradition and an essential link between the people and the government.
He wrote on his X page, “Today, at the statutory meeting of the Ogun State Council of Obas held at the Obas’ Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, we presented 40 brand-new SUVs to our revered traditional rulers in appreciation of their invaluable support and partnership in sustaining peace, stability, and development across Ogun State.
“As custodians of our culture and tradition, and as a vital bridge between government and the people, we remain committed to supporting our monarchs in the discharge of their responsibilities.
“We also used the occasion to urge our traditional rulers and communities to continue working with us in creating a peaceful, welcoming, and investor-friendly environment across all parts of the state.
“We made it clear that Ogun State cannot afford to discourage genuine investors whose presence will create jobs, drive infrastructure development, and improve the well-being of our people.
“In the same vein, we called for greater vigilance on security, responsible land administration, and stronger community cooperation as we continue to build a safer, more prosperous, and economically vibrant Ogun State together”, he said.
ENigeria Newspaper can confirme that inside sources already tell that both governors are eyeing senatorial seats after their tenures end next year. While some groups loyal to Gov. Dapo Abiodun have announced their support, he faces a stiff competition from incumbent senator of the district and former Ogun governor, Gbenga Daniel.
On the other hand, while Gov. Bala Muhammed’s ambition is not public formally, a group named Kauran Bauchi Legislative Mandate 2027 Support has endorsed and called Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed to contest for the seat of Senator representing Bauchi South Senatorial District in the 2027 General Elections.
