Members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) mobilised for a campaign event in Kano State have protested the ₦3,000 reportedly given to them after they spent their own money travelling to the venue.
The supporters said some of them spent between ₦1,000 and ₦1,500 on transportation before arriving at the event.
They also complained that they were kept waiting for several hours before receiving the payment.
One of their representatives, Salisu Shaibu, said the experience had left the supporters disappointed with the way they were treated.
Speaking in Hausa in a video, Shaibu said he was representing supporters from Wanzami, Kofar Gabas, Kibiyetu and other polling units.
He warned that the group would no longer participate in similar mobilisation exercises if they continued to be treated in the same manner.
“If this is how this journey is going to be conducted, then we are not going,” Shaibu said.
“You cannot just call us to Kano because you did not give birth to us. Since 7:00 a.m., you have kept us waiting.”
Shaibu said the supporters had already incurred expenses before arriving at the campaign venue.
“Some people spent ₦1,000 just to come here, while others spent ₦1,500. You gave them ₦3,000,” he said.
He added that some families had been forced to incur debts because of the journey.
“Before we return home, our families have already incurred debts on our behalf,” he said.
Shaibu insisted that the supporters had already demonstrated their commitment to the APC by attending the event.
“We gave our 100 per cent support. Everyone came out and participated in the exercise,” he said.
However, he maintained that the treatment meted out to them was unacceptable.
“But this is not right. This is not right,” Shaibu added.
The protest highlights continuing concerns over the treatment of grassroots supporters mobilised to attend political rallies and campaign activities, particularly when they are transported from distant communities.
