ADC, APM Demand Probe Over Alleged ‘Bought’ Ministerial Appointments

The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) and the Makinde-Daura Presidential Campaign Organization (MDPCO) on the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) have demanded an independent probe into an allegation that some ministers in President Bola Tinubu’s administration paid to secure their appointments.

The allegation was attributed to Alwan Hassan, a spokesperson for the Tinubu Presidential Campaign Council, who was reported to have stated during a live television programme 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.

Both campaign organisations said the claim raises serious questions about the integrity of ministerial appointments and accountability in government.

The ADC-PCC challenged President Tinubu to respond to the allegation, saying Nigerians deserve a clear and unequivocal response from the Presidency.

“If substantiated, such an allegation would represent a grave indictment of the process through which public offices are filled and the principles of public service. It is particularly troubling that the allegation is attributed to a figure associated with the President’s political camp,” the ADC-PCC said.

The council said an allegation of this magnitude cannot simply be ignored or dismissed without a transparent explanation.

“The allegation, if established, 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 responsibility,” it said.

“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 ADC-PCC said the allegation raises fundamental questions about the administration’s 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,” it stressed.

The ADC listed its demands to include the President’s immediate response on whether or not he is aware of the allegation, further clarification from Alwan Hassan, an independent investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and for the National Assembly to consider a transparent public inquiry into the allegation, including inviting Hassan to clarify his reported remarks and provide any supporting evidence.

The ADC-PCC said the 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 any wrongdoing is addressed in accordance with the law.

“President Tinubu must respond to this allegation. Silence or an evasive response would only deepen public concern and leave critical questions unanswered,” the statement signed by Kola Ologbondiyan, Director, Media and Publicity of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, said.

On its part, the MDPCO also called on anti-corruption agencies to commence an independent investigation, predicating its demand on what it described as the disquieting silence of the Tinubu Presidency five days after the revelation was made on national TV.

“Mr. President’s silence validates public apprehension that either he is not in control or he sits in approval of a corrupt and fraudulent system where public offices are reduced to commodities sold to the highest bidders with devastating consequences on governance, the welfare of Nigerians and the image of our nation,” the MDPCO said.

It said the President’s failure to address the revelation exposes what it called an alarming condoning of corruption.

“Is the President’s silence at a time when millions of Nigerians are seeking answers and making sacrifices to survive the biting economic hardship and worsening insecurity occasioned by his misrule not akin to daring the citizens to do their worst?”

The MDPCO alleged that President Tinubu had surrendered his duties to a corrupt cabal comprising key APC leaders in the National Assembly, top presidential aides and persons said to be close to Mr. President.

“The result is the appointment of grossly incompetent individuals, underhand dealers, swindlers and treasury thieves into offices where they brazenly loot funds that ought to be channelled to the wellbeing of citizens,” it said.

It argued that Nigeria under Tinubu is overburdened by worsening insecurity, excruciating economic hardship and a $2.3 trillion infrastructure deficit that will require approximately $100 billion annually over the next 30 years to fix, while public resources including funds from external borrowing are allegedly being exploited by the President’s appointees for personal gains.

“Perhaps the Tinubu presidency believes that if it keeps mum, this scandal would be swept under the carpet like other corruption matters dogging this administration. That will not be the case. The EFCC must identify all those involved in this bribe-for-appointment scandal and ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable in accordance with the law,” the MDPCO said.

The statement, signed by Richard Nnanna Ihediwa, Director of Strategic Communications, MDPCO, urged Nigerians to remain resolute ahead of the 2027 presidential election, saying a Makinde-Daura government on the platform of the APM would conduct government business with transparency and accountability.

Both organisations maintained that as the country approaches the January 16, 2027 general election, Nigerians should scrutinise the records, policies and accountability of political leaders.