The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has issued a strong rebuttal to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s claim that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is offering N50 million bribes to opposition parties to weaken democracy in Nigeria.

Reacting to Atiku’s statement, APGA’s National Publicity Secretary, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, described the allegation as baseless and politically motivated.

He challenged Atiku to provide concrete evidence of such payments or retract his claim, insisting that making unverified accusations only serves to mislead the public and inflame political tensions.

“If Atiku is genuinely concerned about strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, he should provide specific details of the opposition parties that have allegedly received this money. Otherwise, he should stop peddling unsubstantiated claims,” Opara stated.

The controversy arose after Atiku, speaking at a national conference on democracy in Abuja, alleged that the APC was using financial inducements to compromise opposition parties.

The conference, organized by leading pro-democracy organizations, aimed to discuss the future of democratic governance in Nigeria.

APGA, however, dismissed Atiku’s remarks as mere political grandstanding, emphasizing its commitment to issue-based politics rather than sensational claims.

The party insisted that without credible proof, the former Vice President’s allegations should not be taken seriously.

The Labour Party (LP) has denied any knowledge of the alleged N50 million bribe said to have been paid to opposition party leaders by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government, and has criticized former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar over his comments on the matter.

In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, expressed surprise at Atiku’s remarks, calling them unfounded and reckless.

Atiku had previously accused the ruling APC of offering opposition leaders N50 million each in an attempt to undermine Nigeria’s democracy, a claim made at a national conference on strengthening democracy.

Ifoh questioned Atiku’s credibility, stating that it was inappropriate for such a prominent political figure to make allegations without presenting concrete proof.

He also emphasized that the LP’s leadership has never received financial support from any external sources, whether individuals, groups, or governments outside of the party’s membership.

“For us in the LP, we view that statement as demeaning, ignominious, reckless, and a letdown from someone like Atiku Abubakar,” Ifoh said.

He further clarified that the Labour Party runs a financially responsible administration funded internally, without relying on any external assistance, including from elected representatives.

Ifoh criticized Atiku for making such serious allegations without evidence, urging him to be more cautious in making sweeping statements about the opposition.

He also noted that the LP’s leadership has not received any external salaries, with the salaries of public servants being verifiable in the public domain.

Ifoh reiterated that opposition is vital for any thriving democracy, as it helps to keep the government in check and ensures broad democratic participation.

He called on Atiku to provide solid proof to back his accusations, warning that without such evidence, Nigerians might view his claims as politically motivated.

“We urge Atiku to provide evidence for his allegations; otherwise, Nigerians will regard his statements with skepticism,” Ifoh stated.

As the 2026 Osun governorship election approaches, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has extended an invitation to former minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola and his political group, the Omoluabi Progressives, to collaborate in securing victory.

The party believes that a strategic partnership with Aregbesola, who recently parted ways with the All Progressives Congress (APC), could provide a formidable platform to unseat the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

Aregbesola, who also served as Minister of Interior, announced his departure from the APC alongside his loyalists, citing marginalization, suspension of key members without due process, and the party’s persistent disregard for their faction.

He has since hinted at his willingness to align with a political party that shares his progressive ideology for the advancement of Osun State.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, NNPP’s Osun State Chairman, Dr. Tosin Odeyemi, emphasized the party’s commitment to good governance and urged Aregbesola to consider joining its ranks.

He pointed to the leadership style of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf as proof of NNPP’s capacity to bring positive change to Nigeria’s political landscape.

According to Odeyemi, Aregbesola remains a key political force in Osun, with an undeniable influence that even his former party, the APC, recognizes.

He noted that the APC continues to blame Aregbesola for its 2022 election loss, highlighting his impact on the state’s political dynamics.

“Ogbeni Aregbesola is no political liability—he is an asset,” the statement read. “Even his former party acknowledges this, despite their reluctance to admit it publicly. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be lamenting that he contributed to their loss in the last governorship election.”

Appealing directly to Aregbesola, Odeyemi added:

“I urge Aregbesola to consider joining our great party, the NNPP. Osun is currently in a difficult situation, and we need strong leadership to reclaim it. His presence in NNPP will not only strengthen our chances in 2026 but also position us for a strong showing in the 2027 general elections.”

“Our visions align. we all desire a government that prioritizes the welfare of the masses. Together, we can achieve a prosperous Osun in 2026, and history will remember our efforts. We welcome Aregbesola and his team with open arms.”

Security operatives have taken control of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretariat in Abuja following a heated altercation between factions loyal to Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye over the party’s National Secretary position.

The confrontation erupted during the Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting when both men arrived to assert their claims to the office.

Tensions escalated after an aide to Anyanwu forcibly removed Ude-Okoye from the meeting, triggering a physical and verbal exchange between their supporters.

The situation prompted the intervention of security personnel, including soldiers, police officers, and operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, who were deployed to restore order and secure the party headquarters.

The National Secretary position has been a source of internal dispute since Anyanwu vacated the role to contest the Imo State governorship election, which he lost.

In his absence, the PDP South East Caucus endorsed Ude-Okoye as his replacement.

However, Anyanwu’s subsequent attempt to reclaim the seat has deepened the crisis within the party.

On December 20, 2024, the Court of Appeal in Enugu upheld an earlier High Court ruling removing Anyanwu as PDP National Secretary and affirming Ude-Okoye’s legitimacy.

Despite the ruling, Anyanwu has filed an appeal and a stay of execution, with Dr. Musa (SAN) appointed as the party’s legal representative by acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, further intensifying the conflict.