ADC Calls Tinubu’s 2027 Campaign Team a Safe Haven for Corruption Suspects

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has slammed President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 presidential campaign council. They called it a “rehabilitation centre” for people linked to unresolved corruption allegations.

The party pointed out that including former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, and former Chairman of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Ngozi Olejeme, raises concerns about the government’s commitment to accountability and the ongoing corruption investigations against them.

ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, made these claims in a statement on Saturday. This was after the All Progressives Congress (APC) unveiled its Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 election.

According to the APC’s list, Mr Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima will chair the council as Chairman and Vice-Chairman. APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, will be Vice-Chairman II. Former Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, has been appointed Director-General, with Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, as Secretary.

Other notable members of the council include Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, President’s Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and former presidential campaign operative James Faleke.

The council has also appointed Ms Edu as Director of Women Mobilisation, while Ms Olejeme will serve as Zonal Director for Election Planning, Coordination and Mobilisation for the South-South.

ADC Questions Corruption Cases

Responding to the appointments, Mr Abdullahi stated that this structure meant for the president’s re-election campaign has turned into a platform for those with unresolved corruption issues.

“We have taken note of the composition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 campaign council. 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,” he said.

The ADC specifically mentioned Ms Edu, who was suspended by Mr Tinubu in January 2024. This was after a scandal involving an alleged request to transfer N585 million to a private account.

The former minister denied any wrongdoing. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) later investigated the matter.

Mr Abdullahi also raised concerns about Ms Olejeme’s inclusion. She has faced prosecution by the EFCC over alleged financial crimes from her time at the NSITF.

The ADC spokesperson urged the government to clarify the status of the cases involving both officials.

“One important question that the inclusion of these individuals provokes is what happened to the cases involving these individuals. If they have been cleared, the government should show how and when and by whom they were cleared,” he said.

He accused the Tinubu administration of creating a pattern where investigations into financial crimes disappear before the accused return to political or public roles.

The party warned that such actions could hurt public trust in the government’s fight against corruption.

“It has become a familiar pattern under this administration for investigations into financial crimes to quietly disappear only for the accused to suddenly reappear in a different official role,” Mr Abdullahi said.

2027 Will Be a Test for Tinubu

The ADC believes the issues surrounding the campaign council will not decide the 2027 election. They argue that the outcome will be an evaluation of the Tinubu administration’s performance.

The ADC stated that the president can gather his political allies, but this structure will not shield the administration from public anger over economic hardship.

“For emphasis, the 2027 election will be a referendum on President Tinubu’s record,” the statement said.

“The President may assemble his old friends and political allies, including those carrying unresolved corruption questions, but all of their collective brooms cannot sweep away the grave pains they have brought on the Nigerian people.”

The party accused the administration of not properly addressing the rising cost of living and poverty. They said privileges continue to go to those close to the government.

They reminded Nigerians of the sacrifices they have been asked to make since the government’s economic reforms began.

“For three years, they have told Nigerians who can barely afford food to tighten their belts, while those connected to the government continue to live in obscene opulence, feeding fat on the common wealth. The time for reckoning has come,” Mr Abdullahi said.

The ADC’s remarks come as political parties gear up for the 2027 presidential election. Mr Tinubu is seeking a second term, while former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the ADC presidential candidate, is among his main challengers.

Recently, the ADC has positioned itself as a platform for a broader opposition coalition that aims to unseat the APC in 2027. The party’s presidential ticket features Atiku as candidate and former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as running mate.