By Obah Sylva
A chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Buba Galadima, has alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is offering millions of naira, vehicles and other incentives to opposition candidates to withdraw from the 2027 elections, potentially allowing APC candidates to contest some seats unopposed.
Key Highlights
- Buba Galadima alleged that the APC is offering opposition candidates money and vehicles to withdraw from the 2027 elections.
- He claimed State House of Assembly candidates are being offered ₦50 million.
- According to Galadima, House of Representatives candidates are allegedly offered ₦200 million and a car.
- He claimed senatorial aspirants are being offered ₦500 million and a Jeep, while governorship aspirants are allegedly offered ₦2 billion and a Jeep.
- Galadima alleged that some candidates have already resigned and collected the payments.
- The claims concerning the alleged cash distribution and meetings have not been independently verified.
Galadima Alleges APC Offering Millions to Opposition Candidates
Speaking on ARISE News’ Prime Time programme on October 6, 2026, roughly 100 days before the 2027 general elections, Galadima alleged that the APC was attempting to weaken opposition competition by encouraging candidates to withdraw from the race.
He claimed that different amounts were being offered depending on the political office being contested.
According to Galadima, State House of Assembly candidates who agree to withdraw are allegedly being offered ₦50 million, while House of Representatives candidates are being offered ₦200 million and a vehicle.
He further alleged that senatorial candidates are being offered ₦500 million plus a Jeep, while governorship candidates who withdraw are allegedly being offered ₦2 billion and a Jeep.
Galadima also claimed that some candidates had already submitted resignation letters and received the alleged payments.
Alleged Cash Distribution in Abuja Hotel
Galadima further alleged that the payments were being distributed at the Carlton Hotel in Asokoro, Abuja.
He claimed that a woman from Zamfara State was coordinating the alleged distribution under the protection of security personnel, including operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The opposition figure also alleged that the woman had recently met the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, and presented him with the names of candidates who had allegedly withdrawn from the electoral contest.
Galadima said the alleged development was evidence of an attempt to secure victories without competitive elections.
“President Tinubu and all his governors are afraid of contest; they want to win unopposed,” Galadima said.
No Independent Verification of Alleged Payments
The allegations have been reported by Nigerian media outlets that quoted Galadima’s comments from the ARISE News interview.
However, there has been no independent verification of the alleged cash distribution at the Carlton Hotel, the specific amounts purportedly offered to candidates, or the alleged meeting involving the APC National Chairman in the reports cited.
The APC has also not issued a detailed public response to the allegations in the immediate coverage.
The claims should therefore be treated as allegations pending confirmation from the individuals, political parties or institutions directly involved.
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Galadima’s Political Background
Galadima is a veteran Nigerian opposition politician and long-time critic of successive administrations.
Born in 1948 in what is now Yobe State, he trained as a civil engineer at Ahmadu Bello University.
He previously served as National Secretary of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and was among the political figures involved in the merger that eventually produced the APC.
Galadima later moved to other political platforms and became a vocal critic of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He has repeatedly raised concerns about the ability of opposition parties to compete effectively against the ruling party ahead of the 2027 elections.
2027 Elections Trigger Political Realignments
The allegations come as Nigerian political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with opposition alliances, defections, candidate selection and electoral competitiveness becoming major issues.
Political parties are expected to begin finalising their strategies as the election approaches, while candidates and supporters continue to assess possible alliances and realignments.
Galadima’s claims have added another dimension to the debate over whether opposition parties will be able to mount strong challenges against the APC in 2027.
For now, the specific allegations of financial inducements, vehicle offers and coordinated withdrawals remain unsubstantiated, and further responses from the APC, affected candidates, security agencies and electoral stakeholders could determine the credibility of the claims.
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