Northern Cleric Rejects Alleged ₦500 Billion APC Plan to Mobilise Mallams Ahead of Tinubu 2027 Bid!

Reported by Mustapha Omolabake Omowumi (Journalist) | Sele Media Africa

In a development reverberating across Nigeria’s political and religious spheres, a prominent northern Islamic cleric has publicly rejected what he describes as a controversial ₦500 billion mobilisation plan allegedly orchestrated by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to secure support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s anticipated 2027 re-election campaign.

The allegation, which first gained traction on social media and was reported by Rigasa TV News, was made by Sheikh Sunusi Khalil, a respected Kaduna-based Islamic scholar. In a video that has since gone viral, Sheikh Khalil claimed that APC operatives approached him with an offer to participate in a scheme designed to channel substantial funds to clerics (mallams) and traditional leaders to influence grassroots political support.

“They have budgeted 500 billion Naira to mobilise Mallams and traditional rulers so that they can campaign for them,” Sheikh Khalil said, adding that he firmly rejected the overture and cautioned those who approached him against repeating such propositions.

Allegations Versus Official Records
Sheikh Khalil’s assertions have ignited widespread public debate, especially in the context of Nigeria’s current economic challenges, which include rising inflation and growing income inequality. Critics argue that, if verified, the alleged plan would highlight systemic issues in the nation’s political financing culture.

However, independent assessments of Nigeria’s federal budget, particularly the proposed 2026 appropriation bill, reveal no line item or documented allocation that aligns with the claimed ₦500 billion mobilisation figure. Analysts note that the 2026 fiscal blueprint projected at approximately ₦58.47 trillion primarily targets infrastructure, security, education, and health, with no explicit provision for political mobilisation or clerical engagement in electoral campaigns.

The APC has yet to issue an official response to the allegations. The absence of public comment from party officials has intensified speculation, fueling discussions across social media and news platforms.

Contextualising Political Funding in Nigeria
Campaign financing in Nigeria occupies a contested space. Legal frameworks, governed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and related bodies, mandate registration and disclosure of political contributions. Nevertheless, enforcement and transparency remain key challenges, drawing consistent critique from civil society organisations.

Historically, Nigerian politics has witnessed allegations of state resources being leveraged to influence elections, though direct federal allocations for religious mobilisation remain unconfirmed. Analysts caution that claims of monetary inducements to religious and traditional leaders are difficult to substantiate due to the opacity of party financing and patronage networks.

Reactions and Broader Implications
The cleric’s rejection has elicited mixed responses. Some Nigerians have applauded Sheikh Khalil’s stance as a principled defence of faith and community integrity, while others have urged the cleric to provide tangible evidence, including communications or budgetary documents, to substantiate his claims.

Political commentators warn that unverified allegations involving religious authorities could deepen existing societal divisions. With Nigeria’s 2027 general election scheduled for January 16, 2027, debates over political equity, regional representation, and economic stewardship are already shaping up to be defining themes.

While the absence of corroborated evidence leaves the allegations unverified, the episode has spotlighted heightened public scrutiny of political financing and the ethical responsibilities of religious and community leaders in safeguarding democratic processes.

Sources
DailyPost Nigeria
“Kaduna cleric alleges APC planned ₦500bn scheme”

Sahara Reporters
“Islamic preacher alleges ₦500billion bribe plan”

PoliticsNigeria
“Northern Cleric Claims APC Budgeted ₦500bn to Buy Support”

Mustapha Labake Omowumi

Mustapha Labake Omowumi is a journalist from Ibadan, Oyo State, and a graduate of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and Mathematics. He demonstrates a strong commitment to professional journalism, with a keen interest in writing and storytelling, guided by principles of self-discipline, accuracy, and trustworthiness.

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