In a startling revelation that has sent ripples through Nigeria’s political landscape, former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart, Atiku Abubakar, disclosed that attendees of a PDP rally once abandoned the event after being paid for only two hours. The revelation, made during an exclusive interview, has sparked debates about the ethics of political mobilization and the treatment of grassroots supporters. Naija247news gathered that the incident occurred during a past campaign event, though the exact location and date remain undisclosed.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!According to Naija247news, Atiku, who is no stranger to the intricacies of Nigerian politics, shared the anecdote while reflecting on the challenges of rallying support in a country where poverty often forces citizens to prioritize immediate financial gains over long-term political commitments. “It was a wake-up call for us,” Atiku reportedly said. “We realized that while people believe in our message, their economic realities cannot be ignored.”
Naija247news understands that the practice of paying attendees to fill rallies is not uncommon in Nigerian politics, with parties often offering stipends to attract large crowds. However, this incident highlights the precarious balance between genuine political engagement and transactional relationships. Sources close to the PDP revealed to Naija247news that the party has since taken steps to address the issue, including increasing stipends and improving engagement strategies to ensure sustained participation.
Political analysts have weighed in on the matter, with some arguing that the incident underscores the need for systemic reforms in how political parties interact with the electorate. “This is a symptom of a larger problem,” said Dr. Amina Mohammed, a political science lecturer at the University of Abuja. “When politics becomes purely transactional, it erodes trust and undermines democracy.”
Naija247news reports that the revelation has also drawn mixed reactions from the public. While some sympathize with the attendees, citing the harsh economic conditions in the country, others have criticized the practice as a form of voter manipulation. Social media platforms have been abuzz with discussions, with hashtags like #RallyGate and #PoliticalStipends trending.
As the 2027 elections loom, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Nigeria’s political parties. Naija247news gathered that the PDP is now prioritizing grassroots mobilization and policy-driven campaigns to rebuild trust with the electorate. Whether this strategy will yield results remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the days of transactional politics may be numbered.
