The Nigeria Democratic Congress has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration of using public institutions for partisan political activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The Lagos Central Senatorial District senatorial candidate of the NDC, Bamofin Ladipo Johnson, made the allegation in a statement issued on Monday, following the unveiling of the All Progressives Congress 2027 Presidential Campaign Council.
Johnson specifically criticised the appointment of public officials, including the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, to positions within the APC campaign structure.
He said the development blurred the distinction between government responsibilities and partisan political interests.
Johnson questioned the appointment of Idris as Coordinating Director for Media and Strategic Communication of the campaign council, arguing that the minister was funded by taxpayers to serve the national interest.
He also cited Dele Alake, Bayo Onanuga and Lanre Issa-Onilu, accusing them of being drawn into partisan campaign activities while holding public positions.
According to him, the involvement of serving public officials in the campaign could lead to the diversion of public resources, disruption of governance and an uneven electoral environment.
“When state actors double as campaign directors, the consequences are stark and immediate,” he said.
Johnson alleged that government infrastructure, official vehicles, state media and security personnel could be deployed for partisan campaign activities.
He further warned that the involvement of ministers in campaign activities could affect the effective functioning of their ministries.
The NDC candidate also criticised the appointment of the President’s Chief of Staff as Deputy Director-General for Administration of the APC campaign council.
He faulted the involvement of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, describing it as a threat to the principle of separation of powers.
Johnson argued that the legislature should maintain its constitutional responsibility of checking executive excesses rather than becoming directly involved in the ruling party’s campaign structure.
He called on Nigerians, particularly voters in Lagos Central Senatorial District, to oppose what he described as the erosion of democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 elections.
He said the NDC would continue to campaign for the protection of public resources and the independence of government institutions.
Johnson further alleged that the APC intended to use the influence of government institutions to gain an electoral advantage in 2027.
He urged Nigerians to resist such a development through their votes and civic participation.
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