Atiku claims Tinubu government is bribing opposition leaders with N50m each to weaken democracy
Former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, made a bold claim on Monday, January 27, 2025, accusing President Bola Tinubu’s government of paying opposition leaders N50 million each in an attempt to weaken Nigeria’s democratic process.
Atiku revealed this during a national conference on strengthening democracy, which was organized by several civic organizations in Abuja.
He warned that Nigeria’s democracy was in serious danger. “I want to say it here publicly. I met with a political party leadership in the present opposition, and they told me flatly that this government gives them N50 million each,” Atiku said.
He also pointed out that some people in the room might have already received the money, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. “If we are not careful, we are talking to some of you here, but you are recipients of the N50 million from the APC government. Do we really want to fight for democracy?” he asked.
Atiku criticized the current National Assembly, calling it a “rubber stamp” for the government, and questioned the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral body. He used Turkey as an example, where the electoral body refused to declare a president-elect who didn’t meet the required vote threshold, calling it an example of the integrity Nigeria should aim for.
Reflecting on his own journey in the fight for democracy, Atiku recalled the personal sacrifices he made, including an assassination attempt, the seizure of his businesses, and forced exile. He stressed the need for opposition parties to unite, urging them to take action before it was too late.
“If we don’t unite and take action, we may end up with no democracy at all. God forbid,” he warned.
