NDC Spokesman ReactTo Empty CampaignStadium In Rivers,Claims APC Paid #50,000 Το Mobilise EachPerson

The spokesperson of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Theo Abu Agada, has criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the turnout at its political rally in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, alleging that the ruling party offered participants ₦50,000 each to attend the event.

Agada made the allegation while reacting to a video of the rally shared by Arise News during its live coverage on Saturday. He questioned the level of attendance despite what he claimed were financial incentives provided to attract people to the gathering.

The political rally, which was organised by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, attracted several prominent figures within the APC, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC governors and other senior party officials.

The gathering was part of the ruling party’s political mobilisation efforts aimed at strengthening its support base in Rivers State and promoting Tinubu’s anticipated re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections.

However, reacting to the footage, the NDC spokesperson described the event as disappointing, arguing that the APC had failed to achieve the level of public participation expected from a rally attended by the President and other influential political leaders.

Agada further alleged that the party’s mobilisation strategy involved offering ₦50,000 to individuals to secure their attendance. Despite the alleged financial inducement, he claimed that the turnout did not reflect genuine support for the ruling party among residents of Rivers State.

In a post shared in response to the rally footage, he wrote:

“What an underwhelming campaign rally in Rivers State by the rudderless APC. Despite paying people ₦50,000 each to fill the stadium, Rivers people rejected the APC and their money.”

Nevertheless, Agada’s claim that attendees were offered ₦50,000 each has not been independently verified. The video circulated by Arise News showed footage of the rally but did not, on its own, establish that payments were made to participants.

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