Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has sparked public outrage after a viral video showed her distributing cash and All Progressives Congress (APC)-branded wrappers to women at an event in Rivers State.
The footage, shared on TikTok by @move_with_imaan on Monday, November 9, 2026, showed the minister handing out envelopes containing money to women gathered at the event.
The envelopes carried photographs of President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima, while the wrappers displayed the APC logo.
A caption accompanying the video suggested that each beneficiary received ₦100,000. However, the amount has not been independently confirmed.
Cash Distribution Linked to Renewed Hope Agenda
According to the social media post, the programme was organised by the minister alongside other directorates of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC).
The organisers described the exercise as a women’s empowerment initiative carried out on behalf of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda 2.0.
The initiative was presented as part of efforts to provide financial assistance to women and improve their economic well-being.
However, the organisers did not disclose the total amount distributed, the number of beneficiaries or the criteria used in selecting recipients.
Nigerians Question Source of Funds
The cash distribution triggered criticism on X, with Nigerians questioning the source of the money and the government’s spending priorities.
An X user, @Relalamaka, questioned where the funds came from and the purpose of the exercise.
Another user, @bigforceX, criticised the distribution amid concerns about funding for healthcare, electricity, education and security.
Meanwhile, @ZWrites argued that financial assistance should go beyond temporary handouts and help women become economically independent.
Other users questioned whether the APC-branded materials linked the empowerment programme to political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
However, allegations that the money came from public funds or fuel subsidy savings remain unverified.
The video triggered criticism across social media, with Nigerians questioning the source of the money and the distribution of party-branded materials.
Some social media users alleged that the funds could have come from government resources, including savings from the removal of fuel subsidies.
Others criticised the exercise amid rising living costs and economic difficulties affecting many households.
However, there is no verified evidence establishing that public funds or fuel subsidy savings financed the distribution.
Critics also questioned the connection between the empowerment initiative and political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Concerns Over Political Campaign Activities
The controversy has renewed discussions about the relationship between government empowerment programmes and political activities.
The involvement of the Presidential Campaign Council and the distribution of APC-branded materials have raised questions about whether the exercise was primarily intended to support women or promote the ruling party.
While financial assistance could provide temporary relief to beneficiaries, critics argue that transparency is necessary to establish the source of funding and ensure accountability.
As of the latest reports, the organisers had not publicly provided a detailed breakdown of the funds distributed or the number of women who benefited.
The incident continues to generate debate over political spending, public accountability and women’s empowerment ahead of the 2027 elections.
Discover more from LN247
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
