APC Sets N500bn to Rally Northern Votes in 2027 – Islamic Cleric Alleges

A Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sunusi Khalil, has alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is planning to spend about N500 billion to mobilise Islamic scholars and traditional rulers across Northern Nigeria in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

Khalil made the allegation in a video shared by Rigasa TV News, where he claimed he was personally contacted and invited to participate in the alleged political arrangement but declined the offer.

According to him, the plan was aimed at using influential religious figures and traditional leaders to shape public opinion and encourage support for the ruling party ahead of the polls scheduled for January 16, 2027.

“They told me that N500 billion had been set aside to mobilise Mallams and traditional rulers so they can campaign for them,” Khalil said in the video.

The cleric further explained that after being approached, he rejected the proposal and warned those involved not to present such an idea to him again.

“I was invited to be part of the project, but I turned it down and told them clearly never to bring such a proposal to me again,” he stated.

Khalil also claimed that a person linked to the government contacted him regarding the alleged plan, but he refused to cooperate.

As of the time this report was filed, the APC had not issued any official statement responding to the allegation.

Meanwhile, there is no publicly available information in the federal budget showing any N500 billion allocation for such a programme. Nevertheless, the claim has triggered discussions online, especially at a time when many Nigerians are expressing concern over economic challenges and insufficient funding for key sectors such as healthcare.