The ₦1 million remark attributed to former Lagos State University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, is real. However, its subsequent presentation across sections of the Nigerian media has been distorted and exaggerated, particularly through the use of the word “must”, which makes the statement appear to be a compulsory or authoritative directive.

Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, made the clarification in a post on X on Monday while responding to concerns from opposition figures about who is currently in charge of the country as Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima remain outside Nigeria.

The development comes amid disagreements between Wike and some APC governors over the organisation of support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 election. Wike has promoted a broader political coalition in support of the President while maintaining his membership of the PDP.