The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the composition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 Presidential Campaign Council, alleging that the inclusion of some former public officials facing past corruption-related allegations raises questions about accountability and transparency.
The opposition party said the composition of the campaign council should not only be viewed from a political perspective but should also be assessed against the government’s broader commitment to transparency, public accountability and the fight against corruption.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC questioned the inclusion of former Humanitarian Affairs Minister Betta Edu and former Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) Chairman Ngozi Olejeme in the campaign structure.
The party specifically called on the Federal Government to clarify the status of previous investigations and legal proceedings involving the two former officials.
According to the ADC, the inclusion of individuals who have previously faced public scrutiny over allegations of financial misconduct creates an obligation on the government to explain whether the relevant cases have been concluded and, where applicable, whether the individuals were cleared.
The party said the issue was important because public confidence in government institutions depends not only on the prosecution of alleged wrongdoing but also on transparency in the resolution of such cases.
The ADC recalled that Edu was suspended from office by President Tinubu following controversy surrounding an alleged attempt to transfer N585 million belonging to the National Social Investment Programme into a private account.
It also referred to Olejeme, who has previously faced proceedings by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of financial misconduct.
The opposition party said it was not necessarily questioning the legal rights of the individuals to participate in politics, but was seeking clarification on the status of the cases associated with their names.
“If they have been cleared, the government should show how and when and by whom they were cleared,” the ADC said.
The party alleged that unresolved questions surrounding public officials could undermine confidence in the administration’s anti-corruption campaign if such individuals subsequently receive prominent political or public appointments.
The ADC further argued that the 2027 presidential election would serve as an opportunity for Nigerians to assess the performance of the Tinubu administration since its assumption of office.
According to the party, the campaign council cannot simply rely on political messaging to persuade Nigerians to overlook economic challenges, particularly the rising cost of living and widespread concerns about household purchasing power.
The opposition party said Nigerians were more concerned about the practical impact of government policies on food prices, transportation costs, energy expenses, employment opportunities and household incomes.
It therefore maintained that the administration would have to defend its record before the electorate rather than relying solely on campaign structures and political mobilisation.
ADC Defends Fuel Subsidy Proposal
The ADC also used the statement to restate its position on fuel pricing, saying it remained committed to a targeted intervention aimed at reducing the burden of petrol costs on households and businesses.
The party said its proposal was not an open-ended subsidy regime but a targeted, capped, budgeted and independently audited intervention designed to protect vulnerable Nigerians from the effects of high energy costs.
The ADC said criticism of the proposal by government supporters was misplaced, arguing that the debate should focus on how such an intervention could be properly designed, monitored and funded.
The party insisted that any government expenditure directed at reducing the impact of fuel prices must be transparent, measurable and subject to independent oversight.
“Our proposal is straightforward: every naira must be traceable and every barrel accounted for,” the party said.
The ADC also criticised what it described as government waste and questioned whether sufficient attention was being given to the financial pressures facing ordinary Nigerians.
It argued that reducing the cost burden on households should remain a major responsibility of government, particularly at a time when Nigerians are confronting increased prices of essential goods and services.
The party said the debate over fuel support should therefore not be reduced to whether Nigeria could afford intervention, but should also consider whether government resources were being deployed efficiently and responsibly.
2027 Election Debate
The ADC’s position adds another dimension to the emerging political debate ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties expected to scrutinise the policies, appointments and economic record of the Tinubu administration.
The party maintained that Nigerians would ultimately determine the administration’s performance at the ballot box.
It said issues such as transparency, accountability, economic management, poverty reduction, employment, security and the cost of living would be central to the electoral debate.
The ADC therefore challenged the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to provide clear explanations on issues surrounding public accountability while presenting its achievements to voters.
As political parties gradually intensify preparations for the 2027 elections, the composition of campaign structures and the records of individuals associated with them are expected to attract increasing public scrutiny.
The emerging debate also highlights the importance of due process: allegations against public officials must be distinguished from established wrongdoing, while concluded investigations and court proceedings should be clearly communicated to the public to prevent speculation and protect the principles of accountability and fairness.