The Allied Peoples Movement has faulted the Federal Government’s plan to distribute N50,000 monthly to vulnerable Nigerians, alleging that the proposed financial assistance is politically motivated and designed to secure electoral support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The opposition party claimed that the administration of President Bola Tinubu was increasingly relying on financial inducements and welfare packages to sway public opinion and prevent voters from rejecting the ruling government at the next polls.
APM’s National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, alleged that the latest cash assistance proposal was intended to divert public attention from concerns over the management and accountability of previously announced government grants and social welfare interventions.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with LEADERSHIP, Yusuf questioned the rationale behind introducing another N50,000 support package, recalling earlier government assurances that financially disadvantaged Nigerians had benefited from similar empowerment initiatives. He argued that the new proposal had brought the implementation and transparency of those previous programmes under renewed scrutiny.
He equally cited the proposed N70,000 transportation allowance for workers, which he claimed was turned down by organised labour, arguing that successive financial relief announcements appeared aimed at winning political favour as the next general elections draw closer.
Yusuf expressed confidence that Nigerians had already resolved to vote the Tinubu-led government out of office in 2027, predicting that the electorate would instead support the APM’s preferred candidate, Engr. Seyi Makinde, whom he credited with delivering notable results during his tenure as governor of Oyo State.
The party’s spokesman further challenged the rationale for introducing another financial assistance scheme while questions remained unanswered over the implementation of the N-Power programme and alleged unpaid entitlements belonging to its beneficiaries.
He accused the Federal Government of leaving six months’ outstanding allowances owed to N-Power beneficiaries unsettled, while also drawing attention to the controversies that engulfed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs before the eventual removal of its former minister.
Describing the development as contradictory, Yusuf questioned the administration’s decision to roll out a fresh financial intervention despite allegations that commitments made under earlier social welfare programmes had yet to be completely fulfilled.
He also raised concerns about the willingness of Nigerians to register for the proposed N50,000 grant, particularly in view of previous government declarations that beneficiaries had already received similar financial support.
Despite his criticisms, the APM spokesperson urged Nigerians not to turn down the proposed assistance, advising them instead to accept the money while exercising their democratic rights independently during the elections.
“My advice, let them collect the money and vote wisely,” he said.
Yusuf further alleged that the proposed cash relief was part of the ruling party’s strategy to maintain its hold on power without adequately addressing the economic difficulties confronting ordinary Nigerians.
He argued that Nigeria required long-term economic reforms and sustainable development strategies that would tackle poverty, improve household incomes and enhance living standards, rather than temporary financial packages introduced close to an election period.
The APM maintained that the electorate should prioritise the political track records, policy proposals and leadership capabilities of candidates and political parties when making their choices ahead of the 2027 general elections.
