Politics
Tinubu Govt Gifts Each Governor Joining APC N250billion, Senator N1billion, Rep Member N500million For Defection
Explosive revelations allege that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration is bankrolling a massive defection drive with eye-popping financial rewards.
- Explosive revelations allege that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration is bankrolling a massive defection drive with eye-popping financial rewards.
- Sources claim that governors crossing over to the All Progressives Congress (APC) receive ₦250 billion, senators ₦1 billion, and House of Representatives members ₦500 million—all allegedly funded from the Presidency.
A bombshell report has accused the Tinubu-led government of deploying unprecedented financial inducements to lure opposition leaders into the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to insider accounts, the alleged defection deals are being coordinated directly from the Presidency, with senior officials supervising the release of staggering sums to top political figures across the country.
“Each governor joining the APC is promised ₦250 billion — ₦100 billion upfront as a show of commitment and ₦150 billion after the defection is made official,” one insider was quoted as saying.

The same source disclosed that senators receive ₦1 billion, while House of Representatives members get ₦500 million for switching allegiance to the ruling party.
These alleged “defection bonuses” come amid a series of high-profile crossovers that have reshaped Nigeria’s political landscape. In recent weeks, Peter Mbah of Enugu, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, and Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta have all dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the APC.
Governor Mbah described his defection as “a step towards greater progress for Enugu”, while Governor Diri, during a colourful defection rally in Yenagoa, said he made the move “in the best interest of Bayelsa.”
“Somebody had to make the decision, and I took it for the sake of the state. Politics should unite, not destroy,” Diri told cheering supporters.
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The event drew heavyweight politicians including Adams Oshiomhole, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and former Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
With these latest defections, the APC now controls 25 out of 36 states, further tightening its grip ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, civil society groups and opposition figures have condemned what they describe as a “cash-for-defection strategy”, warning that such alleged practices threaten to erode democratic integrity and entrench corruption in Nigeria’s political system.
“This isn’t politics — it’s state-sponsored corruption disguised as party loyalty,” one critic stated.

The Presidency has yet to issue an official response to the allegations, but political analysts warn that if verified, the claims could expose one of the most brazen abuses of public funds in Nigeria’s democratic history — casting a dark shadow over the Tinubu administration.

