Politics
Bugaje Says APC Are Using Money to Buy PDP Politicians
Usman Bugaje, a former House of Reps member and one-time presidential adviser, has claimed that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is using money as a tool to lure members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Bugaje believes many defections happening now are mostly driven by money, although there may be other factors like pressure from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on those with questionable records. Still, he says the real motivation behind these political crossovers is financial gain.
His comments follow a major political shake-up in Delta State where the sitting governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor and Atiku’s 2023 running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa, along with several lawmakers and local government chairmen, moved to the APC.
Bugaje spoke on a news program, saying;
“From what I know, the APC is simply buying off PDP members. Some call it the carrot and stick method — the carrot is the money, but as for the stick, I’m not too sure. Maybe it’s linked to EFCC pressure. This practice has been going on since the Obasanjo era. But the core issue here is money.”
He warned that if politics continues to be shaped by money, then democracy itself is at risk. “It’s a dangerous trend,” he said. “If money keeps deciding who joins which party, then we’ve lost what democracy is supposed to stand for.”
Reacting to the defection, the PDP’s acting national chairman, Umar Damagum, admitted the party didn’t see the Delta move coming. But he stressed that the outcome of the next elections won’t depend on how many governors each party has, but on the people’s verdict on the APC’s governance.
Bugaje wasn’t convinced the PDP still holds its ground as a real opposition. Referring to past actions, including how members responded to the emergency rule debate and budget matters, he said, “The PDP lost its opposition voice the moment Wike took the path he did. Since then, there’s been no real resistance or leadership coming from them.”
The Presidency has reacted to the ongoing dispute between former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and the state government over the state’s finances.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, said Obi had claimed he left Anambra debt-free and promised to stop his presidential campaign if proven wrong.
Onanuga said the Anambra government had presented figures showing outstanding obligations to workers, pensioners and contractors under Obi’s administration.
Obi, however, denied the claims, saying his administration cleared over ₦35 billion in historical gratuities and arrears before leaving office.
“If anybody can establish anything to the contrary, I will stop campaigning,” Obi said.
Nigerian socialite Cubana Chief Priest has spoken about why he believes Igbos are supporting President Bola Tinubu’s bid for re-election in the 2027 presidential election.
He said the president’s son, Seyi Tinubu, has given Igbos greater access to the president.
He said “We Igbos now have access to Mr. President Tinubu through his son, Seyi Tinubu. That’s why we’re doing everything to make sure he’s re-elected.”
Cubana Chief Priest also spoke about the growing support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State, saying “Thousands of Imolites are trooping in for registration for APC. Ndi Imo don’t just love the City Boys Movement, they believe in it. Let’s do politics with lifestyle. On Asiwaju’s mandate, we shall stand. Imo is APC. Here, it’s zero competition.”
Spiritual leader Primate Elijah Ayodele warns the APC against being too confident ahead of the 2027 election.
He shared “Overconfidence will kill APC; they will be too overconfident, and that will be the party’s weakness in the election. They will turn Tinubu to a demi-god, but it will make them lose the election. They believe money can do everything, but it will fail in the 2027 election,” Ayodele said.
Ayodele has repeatedly warned the APC not to assume that its current political strength will automatically translate into victory in 2027.
“You Have to Vote Right” — Timaya Speaks on Nigeria’s Political Future
Rema Names His Favourite Streamers for Entertainment, Fans React
Young Jonn Revisits Old Post After Blaqbonez Offers to Collab With Him
-
Entertainment17 hours ago10 Leonardo DiCaprio Movies That Made Him a Hollywood Star
-
Entertainment17 hours agoRema Names His Favourite Streamers for Entertainment, Fans React
-
Sport17 hours ago“I Am Really Disappointed” — Mikel Arteta Reacts to Brighton Defeat
-
Entertainment17 hours agoFrom “Caro” to “Sempe”: 10 L.A.X Songs to Add to Your Playlist This Weekend
-
Entertainment17 hours agoYoung Jonn Revisits Old Post After Blaqbonez Offers to Collab With Him
-
Entertainment17 hours ago“You Have to Vote Right” — Timaya Speaks on Nigeria’s Political Future