LEAKED: Tinubu Administration Offers N250bn to Governors, N1bn to Senators, N500m to Reps to Defect to APC
A report by Sahara Reporters has alleged that the Presidency under Bola Ahmed Tinubu is behind a large-scale financial inducement scheme designed to convince opposition governors and lawmakers to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to Sahara Reporters, multiple sources within the Presidency revealed that the ongoing wave of defections from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling APC is being driven by “jaw-dropping financial packages” coordinated directly from Aso Rock Villa and supervised by senior officials close to the President.
According to the sources, each state governor who has recently defected to the APC got a total package of N250billion.
One insider reportedly told Sahara Reporters:
“This money is released in two tranches; there is a N100 billion ‘grant’ upfront once commitment is shown, and a balance of N150 billion after the formal defection ceremony.”
Another source added:
“So, the state governors defecting to APC get a total N250billion, senators N1billion, and members of the House of Representatives N500million.”
The allegations, which PulseNets has not independently verified, come amid a wave of high-profile defections across several states in recent months.
Governors Who Recently Joined APC
Among those who have switched allegiance are Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, and Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State — all formerly elected under the PDP.
Governor Peter Mbah, during his defection in October, said his move was inspired by a desire to better serve the people of Enugu and align with the APC’s “vision for development and progress.”
“To the Peoples Democratic Party which provided us the platform on which we campaigned and won, I extend deep gratitude. The PDP supported us through a demanding campaign and joined us in celebrating the victory,” he said.
“Leadership demands difficult, even painful decisions, in the service of higher principles and goals. And there comes always a time where everyone must make a bold choice to determine their destiny.
“Today after a long reflection, we have made a decision to join the All Progressives Congress.”
Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri Follows Suit
In early November, Sahara Reporters confirmed that Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri also formally defected to the APC, ending weeks of speculation.
Thousands of supporters gathered at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa for the declaration event, attended by notable politicians including Akwa Ibom Governor Pastor Umo Eno, Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Edo Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and Minister of Regional Development Abubakar Momoh.
During his speech, Diri said:
“Somebody had to take the decision (to leave the PDP), and I took it on behalf of the state. I took it in the best interest of Bayelsa. Some of you might not understand now, but later it will be clear to all.”
He added:
“The peace and security we are enjoying is another reason to thank God. Politics is for development and not to kill your brother.”
Diri’s defection brings the APC’s control to 25 states nationwide, making him the fourth PDP governor to join the ruling party this year after Peter Mbah (Enugu), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), and Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta).
Analysts React to Alleged Inducement
Political analysts who spoke to PulseNets say the alleged inducement scheme, if proven, could be one of the largest political loyalty deals in Nigeria’s democratic history.
They warn that the development raises serious concerns about the use of public resources to consolidate one-party control, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Neither the Presidency nor the All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued any official response to the report as of press time.
Also Read: Reps Approves Tinubu’s $2.35bn Loan, $500m Sovereign Sukuk to Fund 2025 Budget
If verified, the alleged N250 billion “defection fund” would mark a new era of high-stakes political spending in Nigeria. While defections have long been part of the country’s political culture, the scale of these alleged payouts suggests a more aggressive strategy to weaken the opposition and secure absolute dominance before 2027.
PulseNets will continue to follow this story as more details emerge.
