Politics
ADC-PCC Challenges Tinubu Over Allegation That Ministers Paid for Appointments
The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has challenged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to respond to an allegation by his campaign spokesperson, Mr Alwan Hassan, that some ministers in his administration allegedly paid money to secure their appointments and are now seeking to recoup their investments.
The ADC-PCC said the allegation, reportedly made during a live television programme, raises serious questions about the integrity of ministerial appointments, accountability in government and the circumstances surrounding the selection of members of the Federal Executive Council.
Hassan was reportedly quoted as saying that some ministers paid money to secure their positions and were now focused on recovering what they allegedly invested before turning their attention to governance.
The ADC-PCC queried the allegation, stating that, if substantiated, it would represent a grave indictment of the process through which public offices are filled and the principles of public service. It added that the allegation was particularly troubling because it was attributed to a figure associated with the President’s political camp.
The council insisted that Nigerians deserve a clear and unequivocal response from the Presidency, stressing that an allegation of such magnitude cannot be ignored or dismissed without a transparent explanation.
According to the ADC-PCC, if established, the allegation would suggest that ministerial appointments were treated as private investments rather than positions of public trust.
It would also raise concerns about whether decisions affecting millions of Nigerians are being influenced by the personal financial interests of those entrusted with public responsibilities.
“At a time when Nigerians are grappling with rising living costs, insecurity, pressure on household incomes and persistent economic difficulties, the country cannot afford uncertainty over the integrity and priorities of those occupying its highest public offices,” the council stated.
The ADC-PCC argued that the allegation raises fundamental questions about the administration’s much-publicised Renewed Hope Agenda and whether the interests of ordinary Nigerians are receiving the attention they deserve.
“Public office is a responsibility, not a commercial transaction. Ministerial appointments must be guided by competence, integrity and a commitment to national service—not by financial inducements or expectations of private returns,” the ADC-PCC stressed.
The council consequently made the following demands:
1. Immediate Response from the President: President Tinubu should address the nation and clarify whether he is aware of the allegation, whether any investigation has been initiated and what steps his administration intends to take.
2. Clarification from Alwan Hassan: The spokesperson should publicly substantiate his reported claims by identifying the ministers allegedly involved, stating the amounts he alleged were paid and naming those who received the money.
3. Independent Investigation:
The appropriate law-enforcement and anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), should examine every piece of evidence relating to alleged financial inducements connected to ministerial appointments. Anyone found culpable should face the full consequences of the law.
4. National Assembly Inquiry: The National Assembly should consider conducting a transparent public inquiry into the allegation, including inviting Hassan to clarify his reported remarks and provide any supporting evidence available to him.
The ADC-PCC stressed that its demands are not a substitute for evidence or due process but necessary steps to establish the facts, protect the integrity of public institutions and ensure that any wrongdoing is addressed in accordance with the law.
The council maintained that Nigerians deserve a government in which public appointments are made in the national interest and public resources are managed for the benefit of citizens, rather than to facilitate the recovery of private investments.
It insisted that President Tinubu must respond to the allegation, warning that silence or an evasive response would only deepen public concern and leave critical questions unanswered.
As the country approaches the 2027 general election, the ADC-PCC called on Nigerians to scrutinise the records, policies and accountability of political leaders and make informed decisions about the future of the country.
The council maintained that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s presidential candidacy offers Nigerians an alternative platform for debating governance, economic recovery, public accountability and national renewal.
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
Director, Media and Publicity
ADC Presidential Campaign Council.