Chief Imam’s New Vehicles Spark Political Contest as Saraki, AbdulRazaq Vie for Credit in Ilorin

 

The presentation of official vehicles to the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dansuki, has ignited fresh political exchanges in Kwara State, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) hailing former Senate President Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki for what it described as timely support, while Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration insists it has fulfilled its earlier commitment to the Ilorin Emirate.

The controversy followed Saraki’s visit to the residence of the newly inaugurated Chief Imam shortly after his arrival in Ilorin, where the Waziri Ngeri of Ilorin presented a brand new Toyota Land Cruiser, a cash donation of ₦5 million and other logistical support to assist the Islamic leader in carrying out his religious and community responsibilities.

Reacting to the development, the Kwara PDP said Saraki’s intervention demonstrated “people-centred leadership” and reflected his longstanding commitment to supporting traditional and religious institutions across the state.

In a statement signed by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the PDP argued that the former Senate President acted promptly, unlike Governor AbdulRazaq, whom it accused of delaying the fulfilment of an earlier promise to provide a vehicle for the Chief Imam.

The opposition party said, “Leadership is measured by timely action, not by promises that have to wait for Saraki’s action to be executed.”

The PDP further claimed that Kwarans should not be surprised if the governor hurriedly delivered the promised vehicle in response to Saraki’s intervention, describing such a move as an attempt at image management rather than genuine leadership.

According to the party, “For close to two months, the welfare needs of the Chief Imam received no attention from the Governor despite his promise. It would therefore be unfortunate if the government suddenly wakes up only after Dr. Saraki has once again demonstrated what genuine leadership looks like.”

The party maintained that supporting the Ilorin Emirate’s religious institutions represents an investment in peace, unity and the preservation of the Emirate’s heritage, adding that Saraki’s gesture embodied compassion, service and respect for traditional institutions.

However, within hours of the PDP’s statement, the Kwara State Government announced the delivery of not just one vehicle but four official vehicles to the Chief Imam and other senior Islamic leaders in the Ilorin Emirate.

At a ceremony held at the palace of the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, Governor AbdulRazaq, represented by his Senior Adviser and Counsellor, Alhaji Saadu Salau, presented a brand new Toyota Prado SUV to the Chief Imam, a bus to the Council of Ulamah, and additional vehicles to the Imam Imale, Sheikh Abdullahi AbdulHameed, and the Imam Gambari, Sheikh AbdulAzeez Sulaiman.

Speaking during the presentation, Salau said the gesture was in fulfilment of the governor’s earlier promise and underscored his administration’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Ilorin Emirate and its religious leadership.

“What is happening today is practical fulfilment of that promise,” he said, adding that the governor decided to extend the intervention beyond the Chief Imam to other key Islamic leaders and the Council of Ulamah.

Receiving the vehicles on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Emir of Ilorin commended AbdulRazaq for keeping his promise and for supporting religious institutions in the state. The monarch prayed for Allah’s continued guidance and wisdom for the governor in administering the affairs of Kwara State.

The Chief Imam also expressed appreciation for the intervention, saying the vehicles would ease transportation challenges facing the religious leaders.

“I give thanks to Almighty Allah and I am very grateful to our amiable Governor. May Almighty Allah continue to protect and guide him from all evils. We really appreciate what he did for us,” Sheikh Dansuki said.

He added that the bus donated to the Council of Ulamah would enable members to travel together more conveniently during official engagements.

The latest developments have turned what began as a goodwill gesture into a political talking point, with both the PDP and the Kwara State Government projecting their respective leaders as committed supporters of religious institutions and the Ilorin Emirate.

While the opposition insists Saraki’s intervention prompted the government into action, the AbdulRazaq administration maintains that the presentation of the four vehicles simply fulfilled an earlier pledge to the new Chief Imam and further demonstrated its continued support for religious leaders across Kwara State.