Tinubu Administration Allegedly Orchestrates Billion-Naira Defection Deals To Expand APC’s Grip Across Nigeria’s Political Landscape

 

Fresh allegations have emerged linking President Bola Tinubu’s administration to a sweeping political inducement operation allegedly designed to strengthen the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) by enticing opposition governors and lawmakers with staggering financial incentives. According to multiple sources within the Presidency who spoke with SaharaReporters, the defections currently reshaping Nigeria’s political map are being driven by enormous cash packages coordinated directly from the heart of the federal government.

Credible insiders revealed that each governor crossing over to the APC has reportedly been offered a monumental N250 billion in what has been described as a “defection facilitation fund.” The package, according to these sources, is disbursed in two tranches, beginning with an upfront N100 billion to secure commitment and followed by a balance of N150 billion once the public declaration is made.

Further details indicate that federal lawmakers are also included in the alleged payout structure. Senators are said to receive N1 billion each upon their defection, while members of the House of Representatives purportedly get N500 million apiece. The revelations have sparked outrage among observers who see the alleged scheme as a dangerous manipulation of public funds and a direct attack on the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.

The most recent wave of defections appears to support the claims. Governors Peter Mbah of Enugu, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, and Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta have all abandoned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the APC in recent weeks. These moves have been publicly framed as political realignments driven by a desire to foster development, but the financial revelations suggest a different motivation behind the mass exodus.

Governor Mbah, while announcing his switch, spoke of aligning with what he described as the APC’s “vision for progress and prosperity.” He emphasized that leadership often demands difficult decisions, stating that his move was meant to open new opportunities for his state. His words, however, now echo differently in light of the reported payments. The governor thanked the PDP for the platform that enabled his rise but described the change of party as a “bold choice” to ensure better governance.

Governor Diri’s defection earlier in November also attracted national attention. Thousands of jubilant supporters lined the streets of Yenagoa to celebrate his entry into the APC fold. He maintained that his decision was made “in the best interest of Bayelsa,” stressing that politics should prioritize unity and development over division and strife. High-profile politicians such as former Edo governor Adams Oshiomhole and Ondo State governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa attended the event, signaling the ruling party’s growing influence in the South-South region.

Sources close to the Presidency claim that these high-profile defections form part of a broader political consolidation strategy being executed ahead of the 2027 general elections. The plan reportedly aims to neutralize the opposition by draining it of its most influential figures, effectively ensuring the APC’s dominance nationwide.

Political analysts warn that such practices, if proven true, could have long-term consequences for Nigeria’s political stability. Allegations of financial inducement undermine public trust, erode democratic values, and deepen corruption. Several civic groups and opposition voices have already begun calling for independent investigations into the source and legality of the purported payments.

While the Presidency has yet to respond formally to the explosive claims, the story has intensified debates over the Tinubu administration’s approach to governance and political expansion. Many Nigerians on social media are expressing frustration, arguing that funds allegedly being used to buy political loyalty could have been channeled toward addressing the nation’s economic hardship, unemployment, and deteriorating infrastructure.

Reports of these payments have also sparked internal tension within the ruling party itself. Some long-standing APC members reportedly view the influx of defectors with suspicion, believing that the newcomers are being rewarded for political opportunism while loyal members are ignored.

Governor Diri’s defection marks the fourth by a PDP governor this year, following Peter Mbah of Enugu, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom. Their departures have significantly weakened the PDP’s hold in the South-South and Southeast regions, both of which have historically been opposition strongholds.

Whether these reports will lead to formal investigations remains uncertain. However, the allegations have once again exposed the murky intersection between money and politics in Nigeria’s democracy, raising urgent questions about the true cost of loyalty and the integrity of political realignments under the current administration.

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