EFCC, INEC Urged to Probe APC Over Alleged Cash Distribution at Rally

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate the All Progressives Congress (APC) over alleged distribution of cash and campaign materials at political gatherings.

The opposition party accused officials and supporters of the ruling party of using money and gifts to attract support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.

It urged both agencies to examine the reported incidents and determine whether any electoral or financial regulations had been violated.

The demand followed the circulation of a video showing the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, distributing bundles of cash and APC-branded wrappers to women during a political gathering in Rivers State.

The footage, which surfaced on social media, showed the minister handing out bundles of money and fabric materials bearing the ruling party’s logo to women at the event.

Some of the cash was reportedly placed in envelopes carrying pictures of President Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

The women were seen receiving what appeared to be bundles of N1,000 notes as the distribution continued.

The video was shared on TikTok by Move with Imaan, an account that documents activities involving the minister.

Reacting to the development, Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication for the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, described the alleged distribution as part of a growing pattern involving the ruling party and its political activities.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Shaibu asked the EFCC and INEC to investigate the incident and other reported cases involving the distribution of money, vehicles and other gifts to individuals associated with the APC.

He argued that political support should not be obtained through financial inducements, particularly at a time when many Nigerians are facing difficulties meeting their daily needs.

“The pattern is becoming impossible to ignore. From reports of luxury vehicles presented to APC women leaders, to cash and cooked food distributed by the President’s son through the City Boy Movement, and now videos circulating of an APC women leader handing out money and fabrics, the ruling party appears to be treating political support as something that can be bought,” the statement reads.

Shaibu said the reported activities raised questions about the conduct of political parties and the use of financial incentives during political gatherings.

He maintained that the alleged distribution of money and other materials should not be dismissed without proper investigation, especially as political activities continue ahead of the next general election.

The ADC spokesperson also questioned what he described as differences in the treatment of ordinary Nigerians accused of abusing the naira and political figures allegedly involved in distributing cash at public events.

He argued that enforcement agencies should apply the relevant laws fairly, regardless of the individuals or organisations involved.

“The same authorities that have pursued ordinary Nigerians over alleged abuse of the Naira must explain why apparent cash distribution by political operatives at campaign events should be treated differently,” he added.

He called on the EFCC and INEC to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether the activities breached any provisions of the law.

“The EFCC and INEC must investigate these incidents and take appropriate action wherever electoral or currency laws have been breached.”

The ADC campaign council further linked the controversy to the economic situation in the country, accusing the Tinubu administration of failing to address the financial difficulties confronting millions of households.

Shaibu listed rising living costs, insecurity and increasing public debt among the issues he said had affected Nigerians under the current administration.

He argued that distributing money and other gifts at political events would not address the concerns of citizens who continue to struggle with the cost of food, transportation, healthcare and other basic necessities.

“After three and a half years of economic hardship, rising insecurity and mounting public debt, the APC has little to show Nigerians,” he said.

“Its answer is to display cash and gifts at political events, as though a brief handout can erase the daily struggle families face or buy their votes.”

The ADC spokesperson also questioned the administration’s borrowing activities, raising concerns about the amount of public debt accumulated and the conditions attached to government loans.

He accused the government of pushing more Nigerians into poverty and maintained that political parties should focus on addressing the challenges facing citizens rather than relying on financial incentives to attract supporters.

According to him, the reported distribution of cash and campaign materials comes at a time when many Nigerians are demanding improved living conditions and greater accountability from those in government.

Shaibu insisted that Nigerians would make their political decisions based on their experiences and expectations rather than temporary financial benefits offered during political gatherings.

He also maintained that the ruling party could not use cash distributions to secure public confidence ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

“No amount of money can compel Nigerians to endorse a government that has made life harder for them. The people’s votes are not for sale, and no manufactured crowd can substitute for their verdict at the ballot box,” he said.

“President Tinubu has failed Nigerians. No cash handout can buy back their trust.”

The ADC campaign council urged the relevant authorities to make their findings public and take appropriate action if any violation was established.