Former Senator Ishaku Abbo has claimed that each Nigerian senator now receives over ₦2 billion annually for constituency projects, a sharp increase from the ₦220 million he said lawmakers received during his time in the Senate. Abbo, who represented Adamawa North Senatorial District in the Ninth National Assembly, made the assertion in a Facebook post on Wednesday, July 15, while defending his record and appealing for support for his 2027 governorship bid.
Abbo Defends His Record with Smaller Budget
Abbo argued that he delivered more projects with a smaller allocation than his successor has achieved with significantly larger funds. He wrote: "I received only about 10% of what my successor now receives yet I did more Projects in Michika with N220 Million per year, than the place holder court-induced Senator sent by Fintiri to the national assembly did with your over two billion Naira (N2,000,000,000.00) per year that is N8,000,000,000.00 Billion Naira in 4 years."
According to Abbo, his annual allocation of ₦220 million enabled him to build three hospitals in Kubi, Sina Kwande, and Garta, renovate three others, construct schools, boreholes, and culverts, secure federal jobs for young people, and facilitate the construction of the Kudzum Bridge. He accused his successor, whom he called a "court-induced Senator" appointed by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, of failing to match those achievements despite receiving over ₦8 billion over four years.
Alleged Assassination Attempt by Soldiers
Abbo also claimed he narrowly escaped assassination by soldiers on May 29, 2022, after challenging alleged illegal activities by military personnel in Michika. "Yes, I escaped ASSASSINATION on 29th May 2022 because I chose to stand with YOU; the people of Michika," he wrote. He said soldiers fired several gunshots into the bush where they believed he was hiding.
Abbo stated that former lawmaker Luka Danbaba helped him escape on foot, and another associate, Thomas Ayuba Frangu, drove him through several communities to safety while his convoy members remained behind. According to Abbo, his aides spent the night on a mountain as soldiers searched for them, leaving the area only after residents emerged from their homes the following morning. He did not provide evidence to support the allegation.
Exposure of Rogue Army Officer
Abbo further claimed that even after leaving the Senate, he continued speaking out against alleged human rights abuses in Michika. He alleged that a military officer monopolised businesses, eliminated competition, and abused innocent residents. He also claimed that a 70-year-old woman, identified as the elder sister of a serving Army General, was assaulted. Abbo said his campaign led to the officer's arrest by the Nigerian Army and removal from Michika, though no evidence was provided.
Abbo Attacks Fintiri and Current Senator
The former senator blamed Governor Fintiri for installing a "court-induced Senator" after his removal from office. He questioned where other politicians from Michika were while he risked his life for the people. "Many seek your votes for their own advancement, but very few are willing to endanger their comfort, their careers, or even their lives in defence of the people," he said.
Abbo Joins Labour Party
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Abbo resigned from the African Democratic Congress and joined the Labour Party ahead of the 2027 general election, citing leadership crisis and conflicting court rulings within the ADC.
