Tinubu’s 2027 campaign council is ‘rehabilitation centre for corruption suspects’ - ADC

Nigeria's African Democratic Congress (ADC) has sharply criticized the composition of President Bola Tinubu's 2027 presidential campaign council, labeling it a "rehabilitation center" for individuals facing unresolved corruption allegations. The party questions the government's commitment to accountability given the appointments.

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What should ordinarily be a political task team ends up looking like a rehabilitation system for individuals carrying unresolved questions of corruption and public accountability.

The ADC specifically pointed to the inclusion of Betta Edu, the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, and Ngozi Olejeme, the former Chairman of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF). Their presence on the council, the ADC argues, raises serious questions about the government's stance on corruption and the progress of investigations into their alleged financial crimes.

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We have taken note of the composition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 campaign council.

ADC's National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, stated that the campaign council, which includes figures like Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, and former Governor Abdulaziz Yari as Director-General, appears to be a platform for those with "unresolved questions of corruption and public accountability."

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One important question that the inclusion of these individuals provokes is what happened to the cases involving these individuals.

The party highlighted Ms. Edu's suspension in January 2024 following controversy over an alleged attempt to transfer N585 million to a private account. Ms. Olejeme has also faced prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged financial crimes during her tenure at the NSITF. The ADC demands clarity on the current status of these cases, suggesting the appointments should prompt an official explanation.

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If they have been cleared, the public deserves to know.