A chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Buba Galadima, has alleged that opposition politicians are being offered millions of naira and other incentives to withdraw from the 2027 general elections and allow candidates of the All Progressives Congress to contest unopposed.

Galadima made the allegation while appearing on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme, where he accused the ruling party and the government of using various means to weaken opposition parties ahead of the elections.

He claimed that candidates were being offered different amounts depending on the political position they were seeking.

‘Assembly Candidates Offered N50m’

According to Galadima, candidates for state Houses of Assembly were allegedly being offered ₦50 million to surrender their tickets and withdraw from the race.

He claimed House of Representatives candidates were being offered ₦200 million and a vehicle, while Senate candidates were allegedly being offered ₦500 million and a Jeep.

For governorship candidates, he alleged that the offer could rise to ₦2 billion, alongside a Jeep.

“Every member of the House of Assembly who agrees to forfeit his ticket and withdraw for an APC candidate is being given 50 million naira,” Galadima said.

“If you are contesting for Senate, you have 500 million plus a Jeep. If you are contesting for Governor and you want to withdraw, it’s 2 billion naira plus a Jeep.”

He further claimed that some candidates had already withdrawn after allegedly receiving the payments.

Galadima Names Abuja Hotel

Galadima alleged that the purported distribution of money was taking place at the Carlton Hotel in Asokoro, Abuja.

He claimed that a woman from Zamfara was coordinating the alleged payments, adding that security personnel, including operatives of the Department of State Services, were present at the hotel.

He also alleged that the woman had met with APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, and presented names of candidates who had allegedly surrendered their tickets.

Galadima said the alleged withdrawals were particularly affecting opposition parties, including the NDC and African Democratic Congress.

However, he acknowledged during the interview that he had no direct evidence to prove the allegations.

“I may be wrong, but this is the information we have,” he said, while urging journalists to investigate the claims.

Claims Yet To Be Independently Verified

The allegations have not been independently established, and no evidence was presented during the interview to confirm the alleged payments, identify the candidates who supposedly received them or establish that the APC leadership authorised such an arrangement.

The APC and the DSS had not issued a direct response to the allegations in the reports reviewed.

Galadima also alleged that opposition parties were facing restrictions that made it difficult for their candidates to campaign freely in some parts of the country.

He described the alleged restrictions as inconsistent with democratic principles, arguing that citizens should have the freedom to move, speak and make political choices.

Galadima Questions APC’s 2027 Chances

The NDC chieftain also questioned how the APC could secure victory in 2027 amid what he described as widespread hardship, insecurity, poor healthcare and economic difficulties.

“What keeps on puzzling me is how does APC win this election?” he asked.

He also criticised the Federal Government’s policies on agriculture and alleged that agricultural equipment acquired during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari had remained unused in warehouses.

Galadima further accused the Tinubu administration of concentrating major government appointments and development projects in certain parts of the country, describing the alleged imbalance as contrary to the principles of federal character.

Galadima Backs Obi For 2027

Speaking about the 2027 presidential contest, Galadima claimed that a private opinion study commissioned by his group showed that Peter Obi would win if the election were free, fair and transparent.

He said the study was conducted by a British polling company but did not disclose the name of the company, methodology, sample size or detailed findings.

According to him, the study suggested that Obi would win under a free and transparent electoral process, while alleging that the electoral system could be manipulated in favour of President Bola Tinubu.

The claim remains an assertion by Galadima and has not been independently verified.