A public affairs commentator, Ndubuisi Nicholas Ifedoro, has raised concerns over the financial capacity of two former Inspectors General of Police (IGPs), questioning how they were able to fund their political ambitions shortly after leaving public service.
Ifedoro, in a statement, noted that former IGPs Usman Alkali Baba and Abubakar Mohammed Adamu both sought governorship tickets on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe and Nasarawa states, respectively.
According to him, both former police chiefs reportedly purchased APC nomination and expression of interest forms valued at about ₦50 million each.
“These were public servants who spent most of their careers in government service. Yet, immediately after leaving office, they suddenly became wealthy enough to spend ₦50 million on forms alone, not including campaigns, consultations, logistics, delegates, and elections that could easily cost over ₦500 million or more,” Ifedoro said.
He observed that Abubakar Adamu served as Inspector General of Police from 2019 to 2021, while Usman Alkali Baba held the position from 2021 to 2023.
In less than three years in office, they became powerful political figures with enormous financial strength. Meanwhile, millions of Nigerians became poorer during the same period as inflation rose, insecurity worsened, businesses struggled, and the economy faced significant challenges,” he stated.
The commentator argued that the development raises questions about the relationship between public service and personal wealth accumulation.
“This is why many Nigerians keep asking: What really happened during the Buhari years? How did public service suddenly become a gateway to massive wealth? Why are retired security chiefs immediately turning into heavyweight politicians?” he queried.
He further lamented what he described as the growing disconnect between the living conditions of ordinary citizens and the financial status of some former public officials.
“The painful part is that ordinary Nigerians struggle daily to survive, while many former public officials move from government office straight into politics with unbelievable financial capacity,” Ifedoro said.
He called on citizens to demand greater transparency and accountability from public office holders.
“Nigeria cannot truly recover from the damage done over the years until citizens begin asking hard questions without fear or tribal sentiments. Some truths are uncomfortable, but silence has cost this country too much,” he added.
Ifedoro concluded by urging Nigerians to seek answers regarding the sources of wealth of former public officials, particularly those who quickly transition from government service into active politics.
