ADC questions inclusion of former officials in Tinubu’s 2027 campaign council

By Lateef

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the composition of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 campaign council, questioning the decision to include former government officials who have previously faced corruption-related allegations or investigations.

The opposition party said the appointments had raised concerns about the Federal Government’s approach to accountability, particularly in cases involving politically exposed persons.

In a statementby its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described the campaign council as a platform that appeared to provide political rehabilitation for individuals linked to corruption controversies.

The party singled out former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, and former Chairman of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Ngozi Olejeme, whose inclusion in the campaign structure it said required clarification from the government.

Peoples Daily reports that Edu was suspended by President Tinubu in January 2024 following controversy over an alleged attempt to transfer N585 million belonging to the National Social Investment Programme Agency into a private account.

Olejeme, meanwhile, has faced prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged financial offences.

Against this backdrop, the ADC challenged the Federal Government to explain whether the cases involving the two former officials, as well as others associated with the campaign council, had been resolved.

“If they have been cleared, the government should show how and when and by whom they were cleared,” the opposition party said.

The ADC maintained that Nigerians deserve transparency on the status of corruption allegations involving individuals now being entrusted with prominent roles in the president’s 2027 re-election campaign.