APC Convention: Delegates Accepts Tinubu Money But rejected Osinbajo’s
By Olorunfemi Adejuyigbe
Delegates from Adamawa and Ogun have disclosed to reporters that they received cash gifts from Bola Tinubu, all but offsetting doubts over earlier expectations that the ruling All Progressives Congress’ presidential primaries would be grossly monetised.
In an interview with reporters, At least five delegates from both states said on Tuesday that they were offered American banknotes to support Mr Tinubu and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. The delegate provided information under anonymity to avoid being accused of anti-party conduct that could carry severe disciplinary measures.
Whereas Mr Tinubu gave Ogun delegates $25,000 each to induce his acceptance as the party’s presidential flag-bearer tonight, Adamawa delegates said they received $10,000 each from Mr Tinubu’s surrogates. The delegates have converted on Abuja starting last week ahead of the primary scheduled to be held June 6-8.
“Ashiwaju’s people came here and they said we should support him because he has the best chance to defeat Atiku Abubakar,” a delegate told The Gazette. “Then they said they didn’t come empty-handed.”
Delegates from Ogun confirmed getting $25,000 from the former Lagos governor. They, however, said they rejected $5,000 from Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s surrogates.
“The vice-president’s people initially said he didn’t have any money to give and advised everyone to vote their conscience,” a delegate said. “But suddenly they came back to say he wanted to give us $5,000 to support our transportation and hotel accommodation.”
The delegates admitted they rejected the money because it was smaller than what Mr Tinubu, perhaps the biggest contender for the ticket, had already offered. The delegates shared pictures of the cash gift they said came from Mr Tinubu with reporters.
At least one delegate claimed being shortchanged by Mr Tinubu’s surrogates.
“I don’t know what happened but they only gave me $9,000,” the politician said. “I am working now to get the balance from the person they sent to us.”
Spokespersons for Messrs Tinubu and Osinbajo campaign bodies did not return requests seeking comment
