Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki is reported to have started distributing the sum of $1,000 to each delegate at the ongoing national convention of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
Report reaching us indicated that Saraki began the distribution of the dollar at about noon today, Saturday, hours before voting opened at the convention venue.
One of the beneficiaries of his dollar largesse from Nasarawa State, said innocently: “we have received our first goodwill from the Senate President, Bukola Saraki. It is our first dollars here, but we know more would still come from other aspirants. They have been calling us since yesterday.”
Sources in his campaign that were amongst those who coordinated the payout, stashed in campaign paraphernalia have corroborated the claim to newsmen.
Senator Saraki appeared to be the first to pay out cash to influence the choice of delegates.
At least 4,000 delegates are expected to vote for 12 aspirants when the exercise commences at this stadium in a few hours’ time.
One of the officers attached to the campaign of one of the top-four contenders said: “do not be surprised if they hike the rate to $4,000. This is not your average convention.”
