A recent event in Nasarawa State has ignited controversy after Hajiya Maryam Wadada, wife of APC governorship candidate Senator Ahmed Wadada, was filmed distributing large sums of cash to women. The incident, which took place on August 10, 2026, involved the distribution of ₦325 million among 6,500 women as part of the Hajiya Maryam Ahmed Wadada Aliyu Women Empowerment Scheme 2026.

The video, which has since gone viral, shows Mrs. Wadada surrounded by stacks of naira notes, as she handed out cash to attendees at the event. This initiative was marketed as a grassroots support scheme aimed at providing financial relief to women across all 13 local government areas in the state. However, many Nigerians have taken to social media to express their concerns, suggesting that the cash distribution is an attempt to influence voters ahead of the upcoming February elections.

Critics have raised alarms about potential violations of Nigeria's currency laws, particularly regarding the handling of the naira notes during the event. According to Section 21 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007, any deliberate mishandling of naira notes is considered an abuse, which can lead to severe penalties including imprisonment and fines. Observers noted that the way the cash was managed at the event could fall under this definition of abuse, prompting calls for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the matter.

The EFCC has been actively pursuing cases of naira abuse, with recent convictions highlighting their commitment to enforcing currency laws. In July 2026, the commission secured guilty pleas from twelve individuals in Delta State for charges related to the improper handling of naira notes at a social gathering. Notably, the EFCC had previously convicted public figures such as Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, who was sentenced to six months in prison for similar offenses.

The Central Bank of Nigeria has also voiced its concerns regarding the growing abuse of the naira, emphasizing that such actions not only increase the cost of managing the currency but also diminish its lifespan. CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso recently launched the Naira Ambassadors Club, aimed at educating the public, particularly students, on the importance of respecting the national currency.

As the 2027 campaign period approaches, the handling of cash at public events is under scrutiny, and it remains to be seen whether the EFCC will act on the calls for an investigation into Mrs. Wadada's actions. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges related to electoral integrity and the proper treatment of Nigeria's currency.