FG’s ₦50,000 Relief Payment Divides Nigerians as Vote-Buying Allegations Intensify

• The ₦50,000 relief payment has drawn praise from beneficiaries, while opposition parties question its timing and allege political motives ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Federal Government’s ₦50,000 monthly relief payment to vulnerable Nigerians has drawn mixed reactions, with beneficiaries welcoming the assistance while opposition parties question its timing ahead of the 2027 general election.

Some recipients have confirmed receiving the money, while others awaiting payment have raised concerns about delays, eligibility and the transparency of the selection process.

The payments are being made under the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI), announced on October 30 by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro.

According to the government, selected beneficiaries will receive ₦50,000 monthly through licensed payment providers into their bank accounts or mobile wallets.

Beneficiaries welcome payments as others await disbursement

Akila, a resident of Nyanya Phase 4 in Abuja, confirmed receiving the relief in his OPay account and expressed appreciation for the support.

Another resident, Sarah Ode, said several of her friends had received payments. She remained hopeful of being included in a subsequent batch.

However, others expressed frustration over the wait.

John Adeboye said he had confirmed his eligibility but had yet to receive the money. Robert Kayi questioned the selection process and called for the intervention to reach more people facing hardship.

The government has said beneficiaries are selected from the National Social Register and verified National Identification Number records, rather than through open applications.

It also explained that payments would be processed in batches, with selected recipients receiving SMS notifications requesting their consent before disbursement.

ADC questions value and timing of intervention

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) criticised the programme, describing it as an election gimmick and alleging that the government was attempting to rebuild public support before the 2027 polls.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, questioned how much relief the payment could provide amid rising food and transportation costs.

“What exactly is N50,000 supposed to buy in Tinubu’s Nigeria today? How much food can a family purchase with that amount? How much transport can it cover? And for how long?” Abdullahi asked.

His comments challenged both the purchasing power of the payment and the government’s motive for introducing it at this stage of the electoral cycle.

APM alleges vote-buying, urges beneficiaries to retain political choice

The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) also alleged that the intervention amounted to vote-buying.

However, the party advised Nigerians against rejecting the assistance, urging recipients to remain conscious of their right to choose their preferred candidates freely.

The allegation of an electoral motive remains the opposition’s position. The government has presented NERSI as financial support for vulnerable Nigerians.

Recipients say assistance should not determine votes

Some Nigerians have argued that receiving government support should not create an obligation to support any political party or candidate.

They said the immediate need to address hunger and economic hardship should be considered separately from their choices at the ballot box.

While willing to accept the relief, they maintained that their votes in 2027 would reflect their personal convictions.