Kogi Central senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan defended the cash grants she has distributed to constituents, while the Obi‑Kwankwaso Movement called for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe alleged vote‑buying linked to the grants.
Akpoti‑Uduaghan said the financial assistance was intended to support her constituents and refuted claims that the money was used to influence votes. She emphasized that the grants were a legitimate form of constituency outreach.
The Obi‑Kwankwaso Movement, a political coalition supporting former governors Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, responded by urging the EFCC to investigate the distribution of the cash, alleging that it may constitute vote‑buying ahead of upcoming elections.
The EFCC is Nigeria’s anti‑corruption agency tasked with probing financial crimes, including illicit political financing. A probe, if launched, would examine whether the cash grants breached electoral laws or anti‑corruption statutes.
Cash grants to voters have been a recurring feature of Nigerian politics, often sparking debate over their legality and impact on the fairness of elections. The current dispute adds to broader national discussions about the role of money in electoral processes.
<small>Source: Punch Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
