Key takeaways

1. The African Democratic Congress has asked EFCC and INEC to investigate a viral video reportedly showing cash and political materials being distributed at an APC event in Rivers State.

2. The video reportedly features Women Affairs Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim distributing money, wrappers and envelopes.

3. ADC’s Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, accused the ruling party of attempting to attract political support through money and gifts.

4. The opposition party linked its concerns to the political contest ahead of the 2027 general elections.

5. The supplied report does not confirm that EFCC or INEC has opened an investigation.

6. No response from APC or the minister was included in the supplied article.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate a viral video reportedly showing the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, distributing cash and APC-branded materials at a political event in Rivers State.

The opposition party said the incident raises concerns about the use of money and material gifts to attract political support ahead of the 2027 general elections.

ADC Raises Concerns Over Distribution at APC Gathering

The party’s presidential campaign council, through its Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, made the demand in a statement issued on Wednesday.

According to the report, the circulating video shows Sulaiman-Ibrahim handing bundles of cash to women alongside bales of wrappers bearing the All Progressives Congress (APC) logo.

The minister was also reportedly seen distributing envelopes carrying photographs of President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

The footage has become the basis of ADC’s call for the relevant authorities to examine the circumstances surrounding the distribution and determine whether the incident raises any electoral concerns.

Shaibu Accuses Ruling Party of Seeking Political Support Through Gifts

In his statement, Shaibu accused the APC of attempting to secure public support for Tinubu’s anticipated re-election bid through the distribution of money and other items.

He maintained that the ADC would not remain silent over what it considers an attempt to influence political support through financial and material inducements.

The party made its demand in a direct appeal for action from the electoral and anti-corruption agencies.

“Probe APC now,”

ADC’s demand was accompanied by Shaibu’s argument that the alleged distribution should be examined because of its potential implications for the credibility of the electoral process.

He also suggested that the Rivers State incident should not be viewed in isolation, alleging that it reflects a broader pattern in the ruling party’s approach to securing political support.

“When you put all these things together, the picture is clear. The ruling party now believes support can be purchased,”

Shaibu said.

What the Allegations Could Mean Ahead of 2027

The ADC’s demand places the reported incident within the wider political debate surrounding campaign activities, voter influence and electoral integrity ahead of the 2027 elections.

By asking EFCC and INEC to investigate, the opposition party is seeking an examination of whether the distribution shown in the video raises issues that fall within the responsibilities of either institution.

However, the allegations remain the position expressed by the ADC. The supplied report does not establish that the distribution amounted to voter inducement or an electoral offence, nor does it provide an official finding from either agency.

An investigation would be necessary to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether any applicable rules were breached.

Current Position on the Requested Investigation

Based on the information available in the report, ADC has made its demand through Shaibu, but no confirmation has been provided that EFCC or INEC has commenced an investigation.

The report also does not include a response from the APC or the minister addressing the allegations.

Political Implications Ahead of the General Elections

The controversy highlights the importance of transparency in political gatherings as parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the next general elections.

Allegations involving cash distribution and campaign-related materials can attract public scrutiny, particularly when they concern activities that political opponents believe could influence electoral support.

For now, the central issue is ADC’s request for the relevant authorities to examine the video and establish whether the reported activities raise any legal or electoral concerns.

Editorial Wrap-Up

ADC has called for EFCC and INEC to investigate a video reportedly showing cash and APC-branded materials being distributed at an event in Rivers State involving Women Affairs Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.

While the opposition party has described the incident as an attempt to influence political support ahead of 2027, the allegations have not been independently established in the information provided. Any official findings or responses from the relevant parties would be important in determining the next stage of the controversy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why has ADC called on EFCC and INEC to investigate the APC event?

ADC wants the agencies to examine a viral video reportedly showing cash and APC-branded materials being distributed at an event in Rivers State.

2. Who made the allegations on behalf of ADC?

The allegations were made by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the party’s presidential campaign council.

3. Who was reportedly seen distributing the money and materials?

The video was reported to show Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development.

4. What items were reportedly distributed at the event?

The report describes bundles of cash, APC-branded wrappers and envelopes bearing photographs of President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

5. What did ADC accuse the APC of doing?

ADC accused the ruling party of attempting to attract political support through cash and material gifts ahead of the 2027 elections.

6. Has EFCC or INEC confirmed an investigation?

The supplied report does not contain confirmation that either agency has commenced an investigation.

7. Has the APC responded to the allegations?

No response from the APC was included in the supplied report.

8. Have the allegations been established as an electoral offence?

No. The supplied information contains allegations and a demand for investigation, not an official finding that an electoral offence occurred.