-
Viral video shows APC governorship candidate’s wife distributing bundles of mint naira notes during a ₦325 million women empowerment programme benefiting 6,500 women across Nasarawa State.
-
Cash handouts days before the commencement of the 2027 campaign season have sparked allegations of subtle voter inducement and renewed scrutiny of political empowerment programmes.
-
The handling of the naira notes has triggered questions over possible violations of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, with many calling on the EFCC to investigate the incident.
-
The controversy comes amid the EFCC’s aggressive crackdown on naira abuse, raising fresh concerns over whether the anti-graft agency will enforce the law consistently regardless of political status.
August 18, (THEWILL) — Barely days before political campaigns officially begin for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, a viral video showing the wife of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Nasarawa State, Hajiya Maryam Ahmed Wadada Aliyu, openly distributing bundles of freshly minted naira notes to supporters has ignited a nationwide debate over alleged naira abuse and possible voter inducement.
The footage, which has dominated conversations across social media platforms, was recorded during the launch of the Hajiya Maryam Ahmed Wadada Aliyu Women Empowerment Scheme 2026, an initiative through which organisers said a total of ₦325 million was distributed to 6,500 women drawn from the 13 Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State.
According to the organisers, each beneficiary received ₦50,000 to support small businesses, improve household income and encourage economic self-reliance. Mrs Wadada told participants that the intervention was intended to help women expand their businesses, support their children’s education and improve their standard of living.
However, the manner in which the money was distributed has overshadowed the objective of the programme.
In the now-viral video, Mrs Wadada is seen standing beside two aides behind a table piled high with bundles of crisp ₦500 notes. One of the aides unwraps the bundles before passing portions to another aide, who subsequently hands the cash to Mrs Wadada for onward distribution to cheering supporters gathered at the event.
The public display of cash has drawn sharp criticism from many Nigerians, with several social media users arguing that the exercise created the impression of political patronage at a time the country is preparing for another election cycle.
The timing of the programme has also intensified the controversy.
The event was held less than one week before the official commencement of campaigns for the 2027 elections on August 19, leading critics to question whether the distribution of cash could influence public perception and electoral choices, even though no direct evidence has emerged linking the programme to vote buying.
A fact-check by THEWILL found that while the timing raised legitimate public concerns, available evidence indicated that the exercise formed part of a women empowerment programme.
Nonetheless, beyond the political implications, legal experts and civil society groups have shifted attention to whether the handling of the currency itself violated Nigeria’s laws protecting the naira.
Section 21 of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, 2007, criminalises the deliberate abuse of the national currency.
Under the law, naira notes are considered abused where they are sprayed, squeezed, stapled, mutilated, defaced, written upon, torn, soiled or subjected to any other deliberate act capable of damaging or dishonouring the currency.
Anyone convicted faces a prison sentence of not less than six months, a fine of at least ₦50,000, or both.
The incident has therefore renewed calls on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to clarify whether the conduct captured in the footage falls within the scope of offences it has vigorously prosecuted in recent years.
The controversy comes against the backdrop of an intensified nationwide enforcement campaign by the EFCC against naira abuse.
Since 2024, the commission has arrested and prosecuted celebrities, businessmen and ordinary Nigerians accused of spraying or mishandling the naira at parties, weddings and other public events.
READ ALSO:
Osun Government Drops EFCC Suit on Frozen Account
FG Commissions Nigeria’s Largest Lithium Processing Plant In Nasarawa
Among the most prominent cases was that of cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, who was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment in 2024 after pleading guilty to naira abuse charges.
In February this year, Kannywood actress Samha Inuwa was arrested after a video allegedly showed her wiping her nose with naira notes, while in July 2026 the EFCC secured the conviction of 12 persons before the Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, for offences relating to the spraying and abuse of the currency.
Those prosecutions have strengthened public expectations that enforcement of the law should be impartial and not influenced by political affiliation or social status.
For many observers, the viral footage involving Mrs Wadada now presents another test of the commission’s commitment to equal enforcement.
As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC had not announced whether it would investigate the incident. Neither the Central Bank of Nigeria nor Mrs Wadada had issued an official statement responding to the controversy.
Similarly, the campaign organisation of APC governorship candidate, Senator Ahmed Wadada, had yet to publicly address the growing public criticism over the viral video.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
