2027: APM Calls Tinubu’s N50,000 Cash Relief Vote-Buying

The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has criticised the Federal Government’s proposed N50,000 monthly cash relief payment to vulnerable Nigerians, describing the initiative as an attempt at vote-buying ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party alleged that the Tinubu administration was introducing various financial incentives and relief programmes to influence voters and discourage Nigerians from voting against the ruling government in the forthcoming elections.

The National Publicity Secretary of the APM, Abubakar Yusuf, accused the Federal Government of using cash relief announcements to cover up questions surrounding previous government grants and social intervention programmes.

Yusuf, in an exclusive interview with LEADERSHIP, recalled the administration’s earlier claims of empowering vulnerable Nigerians through grants, arguing that the latest N50,000 initiative raised questions about the implementation and accountability of previous interventions.

He also referenced the proposed N70,000 transportation allowance for workers, which he claimed had been rejected by workers, describing the various relief announcements as attempts to win public support ahead of the elections.

According to him, Nigerians are already determined to vote the Tinubu administration out of power and elect the APM’s proposed candidate, Engr. Seyi Makinde, whom he said had demonstrated achievements during his administration in Oyo State.

The APM spokesperson also questioned the government’s decision to introduce another cash relief programme despite unresolved concerns surrounding the N-Power scheme and outstanding allowances allegedly owed to beneficiaries.

He specifically accused the government of failing to pay six months of outstanding allowances to N-Power beneficiaries, while also recalling controversies surrounding the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs that preceded the removal of its former minister.

Yusuf described the situation as ironic, questioning why the administration was announcing another financial support programme when previous social intervention commitments had allegedly not been fully addressed.

He further expressed concern over Nigerians enrolling for the N50,000 grant, particularly given what he described as the government’s previous claims that similar grants had already been distributed.

The APM spokesperson, however, advised Nigerians not to reject the proposed financial assistance but to remain conscious of their voting rights and make independent decisions at the ballot.

“My advice, let them collect the money and vote wisely,” he said.

Yusuf alleged that the cash relief initiative was an attempt by the ruling government to retain power while leaving the underlying economic challenges facing Nigerians unresolved.

He maintained that the country needed sustainable economic policies capable of reducing poverty and improving living conditions rather than temporary financial incentives introduced ahead of elections.

The APM insisted that Nigerians should assess political parties and candidates based on their records, policies and capacity to address the country’s economic challenges as the 2027 general elections approach.