The African Democratic Congress has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of allegedly paying supporters to attend its presidential campaign rally in Kaduna.
According to The Guardian, the ADC Presidential Campaign Council made the allegation in a statement issued through its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan.
The opposition party criticised the APC’s Northwest campaign flag-off, describing the event as disappointing despite extensive mobilisation efforts.
Ologbondiyan alleged that attendees were recruited from several states, with payments reportedly ranging from N50,000 to N100,000 per person.
However, the allegations were not independently substantiated in the original report.
ADC questions APC campaign turnout
The opposition spokesperson claimed that the Kaduna stadium remained sparsely occupied despite the alleged mobilisation.
He also questioned the reception given to speeches delivered by senior APC officials.
“You can rent a crowd, but you cannot rent acceptance,” Ologbondiyan said.
The ADC maintained that attendance at political rallies should not automatically be interpreted as electoral support.
It also alleged that some attendees expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling party after the event.
According to Ologbondiyan, some participants reportedly chanted the Hausa expression “Ba mu yi,” which the party interpreted as a rejection of the APC.
ADC criticises Tinubu’s economic policies
The opposition further accused the APC of repeating promises made during previous election campaigns.
Ologbondiyan criticised President Bola Tinubu’s remarks blaming political opponents for economic hardship.
He argued that the government should address concerns over living costs, fuel prices and household purchasing power.
The spokesperson also questioned the administration’s presentation of infrastructure projects during the campaign.
He urged political parties to focus on practical solutions to challenges affecting Nigerians ahead of the 2027 elections.
The APC’s response to the latest ADC allegations was not included in The Guardian’s report.
The dispute comes as political parties intensify their campaign activ
