APC Explains Betta Edu's Role in Tinubu's 2027 Campaign Team

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has explained why former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, is part of the campaign council for President Bola Tinubu's 2027 re-election. They say she has not been found guilty of any crime.

Kemi Asekun-Shittu, one of the spokespersons for the committee, shared this during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Monday.

Edu was suspended by Tinubu in January 2024 due to claims of financial misconduct. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is currently investigating her.

When asked about her role in the campaign despite the ongoing investigation, Asekun-Shittu said it would be unfair to stop Edu from political activities until the EFCC wraps up its probe. She said, "I’d like to say that for Betta Edu, for example, she has not been found guilty. And it will be unfair to ask that she leaves her life or refuses to live her life until the EFCC declares her. We believe that there is very likely the issue that she may not be found guilty."

Asekun-Shittu added, "But besides that, we also know that with politics, every Nigerian is allowed to be a politician if they choose to be. And we do not believe that we should then hold her life still or keep her stagnant until the case is decided. It’s been almost two years of that case. She does deserve an opportunity to present herself again for the party."

The spokesperson faced questions about Edu's role, especially since she was removed from the Federal Executive Council over allegations involving public funds. Asekun-Shittu recognized the concerns but insisted that the campaign committee is an internal party matter. She said that the APC has the right to decide who works for the party.

Asekun-Shittu explained, "I do understand. There is no report. I also need you to see it from this angle. The fact that it’s an internal party affair. If we decide that she’s going to be useful and be able to work on behalf of the party, she does have a right. It’s not a public thing."

When the interviewer reminded Asekun-Shittu that Edu had been accused of misusing public funds while in office, she said the investigation is ongoing. She stressed that Edu has not been declared guilty. Asekun-Shittu stated, "She was alleged to have misappropriated public funds. That matter is still with the EFCC. It is being handled. She has not been proclaimed guilty and deserves an opportunity to continue to live her life. That is what we are saying."

Edu is now listed as the Director of Women Mobilisation in the APC Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 election. Other notable names on the list include Zacch Adedeji, the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service; Taminu Yakubu, the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation; and Bisoye Coker-Odusote, the Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission.

Asekun-Shittu mentioned that the campaign committee's list is not final and can still change. She said, "With regards to the other names you have mentioned, the list is not yet final. There is a lot of deliberation still going on. If it is found out that they are not allowed to play in that turf, I believe that the needful will be done."

She also assured that the APC would follow the rule of law and make necessary adjustments to the list if needed. Asekun-Shittu's comments come as people react to the makeup of the 2027 campaign committee, especially concerning individuals who have faced allegations or currently hold public positions.

Edu has not been publicly declared guilty of any crime related to the EFCC investigation.