The All Progressives Congress (APC) sharply criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for his claim that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has offered N50 million in bribes to opposition parties in a bid to undermine their leadership ahead of the 2027 elections. Various opposition groups, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Labour Party (LP), and Social Democratic Party (SDP), have denied receiving any such inducements from the Tinubu government.
Atiku made the allegations while speaking at a national conference focused on bolstering democracy in Nigeria, organized by several reputable institutions in Abuja. He warned that the country risks losing its democratic foundations if current trends continue.
In response, APC’s National Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, expressed disappointment in Atiku, asserting that as an elder statesman, he should refrain from making unfounded claims. Ibrahim challenged Atiku to provide concrete evidence to support his assertions, stating, “Until Atiku Abubakar substantiates this allegation, it remains mere conjecture.”
APC spokesperson Felix Morka described Atiku’s claims as “bogus and laughable,” attributing them to his political desperation and the disintegration of the PDP.
The Labour Party also refuted the bribery claim, with National Youth Leader Prince Kennedy Ahanotu calling the alleged N50 million an insult to the party. He questioned the practicality of distributing such a sum among party members.
PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, emphasized the party’s self-sufficiency, asserting that nobody had bribed them and labeling the current APC administration as Nigeria’s worst.
Meanwhile, NNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, expressed skepticism about the internal crises within opposition parties, hinting at possible APC involvement but clarified that the NNPP had not received any support from the APC.
SDP National Chairman Shehu Musa Gabam also denied any bribery claims, urging Atiku to provide proof of his allegations.
