Sokoto-based Islamic cleric Shiekh Bello Yabo says President Bola Tinubu disclosed to clerics and traditional rulers that he bought his way to the presidency. 

In a video of one of his sermons, Mr Yabo said Mr Tinubu disclosed this when he met clerics and traditional rulers at the villa last week. 

“Tinubu has really impressed me; he invited all the traditional rulers from the North, West and East and told them bluntly that ‘I bought this seat I’m on with money’,” Mr Yabo said. 

He added, “Tinubu has never impressed me like now for coming out to tell the naked truth. Whoever pays the piper dictates the tune; isn’t Tinubu telling the truth?” 

Mr Yabo derided those who sold their votes during the 2023 presidential elections, adding that all they got in exchange for their votes had now been exhausted as they suffered the consequences of their decision at the polls.

“You have eaten the spaghetti and macaroni you have been given to vote, and now it is finished, it’s all over, so what next? Tinubu says he spent huge sums from the primary elections to the actual presidential election.”

“It’s all over now; let us pray and wait for the next election in 2027. If you like, collect his money again and vote for him, and I assure you, you’ll remain in pain, that’s all,” Mr Yabo said.

Spokespersons for Mr Tinubu, Ajuri Ngelale and Bayo Onanuga could not be reached for comments on the cleric’s claim. While Mr Ngelale’s contact was unreachable, Mr Onanuga answered calls twice and dropped them immediately. 

The cleric’s remark comes a few days after Mr Tinubu, at a meeting with clerics and traditional rulers across the country, said he funded and fought his election from his personal money and no cabal support. 

“I have no cabal. I have no sponsors. The money I spent on the elections was my personal fortune. At some point, the odds were against me; banks were locked. But Allah, the Almighty God, said I will be the president,” Mr Tinubu said at last week’s meeting.