RismadarVoice Reporters
November 12, 2026
A viral video showing Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, handing cash to occupants of a commercial tricycle has generated mixed reactions among Nigerians, with some questioning whether the gesture amounted to an attempt to influence voters ahead of the 2027 general election.
The footage, widely circulated on social media, shows Seyi approaching a yellow tricycle, popularly known as Keke NAPEP, and engaging its occupants in a conversation about their political preferences.
During the interaction, he reportedly referred to support for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar before asking the passengers which presidential candidate they supported.
He subsequently appeared to hand money to one of the occupants, prompting criticism and debate over the relationship between financial gifts and political mobilisation.
Several reports placed the encounter in Kebbi State, although another account identified Jigawa State as the location. The precise location has not been independently established.
Some social media users accused the President’s son of attempting to secure political support through financial inducements.
An X user identified as @ManLikeIcey criticised the gesture, arguing that Seyi should have explained his father’s achievements rather than distributing money.
Another user, @Idanssssssss, questioned whether the cash handout could constitute vote-buying.
Other commentators raised concerns about the source of the money, although no evidence was presented establishing that public funds were involved.
However, several Nigerians defended the gesture, maintaining that giving financial assistance to an individual did not automatically constitute an electoral offence.
An X user identified as @jerome_tim13882 argued that a personal cash gift should not necessarily be interpreted as an organised attempt to manipulate an election.
Similarly, @AderogbaFumni suggested that the incident could have been an act of generosity rather than a political transaction.
Others questioned the circumstances surrounding the footage and whether the encounter had been staged.
The incident has renewed discussions about financial inducements, campaign ethics and the importance of transparency in political activities.
Under Nigeria’s electoral laws, bribery and inducements intended to influence voting decisions are prohibited. However, establishing an offence requires consideration of the circumstances, intent and available evidence.
The amount of money handed over, its source and whether the gesture was conditional on electoral support have not been independently verified.
There has also been no confirmed finding by electoral authorities that the incident constituted vote-buying.
The controversy comes as political activities intensify ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election.
