Nigerian Lawmakers Raise Conflict-of-Interest Fears Over Tinubu's Campaign Council

A faction within Nigeria's House of Representatives, operating as the Save Democracy Group (SDG), has voiced strong criticism regarding the composition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 election. The lawmakers contend that the inclusion of high-ranking public officials could compromise the impartiality of government institutions by intertwining their responsibilities with partisan political activities.

The APC Presidential Campaign Council, chaired by President Bola Tinubu himself, includes Vice President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda as vice chairmen. Former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari was appointed Director-General, with Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma serving as Secretary. The council's expanded membership features serving government officials and party figures assigned to various directorates, such as finance, fundraising, media, and election planning.

Specific concerns were raised about the roles of Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, and Tanimu Yakubu, Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, within the campaign's financial structures. However, the most significant apprehension centers on the participation of the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle. Musa is listed as Secretary of the Security and Intelligence committee, while Matawalle is appointed Deputy Director of the same committee.

The SDG, led by Awaji-Inombek Abiante (Rivers), Abubakar Kusada (Katsina), and Mansur Jega (Kebbi), argued in a statement that these defense ministers hold positions with direct responsibility for national security and the Armed Forces. Their involvement in a campaign structure, they assert, creates an institutional conflict and risks creating the perception that the military is politically aligned. "The issue is not whether ministers have political rights. They do. The issue is whether officials responsible for the nation’s defence architecture should simultaneously occupy senior positions in a campaign structure," the group stated, suggesting this could erode public trust in critical state institutions.

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The issue is not whether ministers have political rights. They do. The issue is whether officials responsible for the nation’s defence architecture should simultaneously occupy senior positions in a campaign structure.