ADC Challenges Tinubu Over Allegations of Paid Ministerial Appointments

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council has asked President Bola Tinubu to respond to claims made by a spokesperson linked to his campaign. The spokesperson suggested that some ministers paid money to get their positions.

In a statement signed by Kola Ologbondiyan, the Director of Media and Publicity, the council called for anti-corruption agencies to investigate these claims. Alwan Hassan made the allegations during a television interview.

According to the ADC-PCC, Mr Hassan said that some ministers paid to get their jobs and are now trying to recover that money instead of focusing on their work in government.

The council wants Mr Tinubu to clarify if he knows about these allegations. They also want to know if any investigation has started and what actions his government plans to take.

They also challenged Mr Hassan to name the ministers involved, how much they allegedly paid, and who received the money.

"Public office is a responsibility, not a commercial transaction. Ministerial appointments must be based on competence, integrity, and a commitment to national service, not by financial inducements or expectations of private returns," the statement said.

ADC Calls for Investigation

The ADC urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to look into any evidence of payments related to ministerial appointments.

They also want the National Assembly to hold a public inquiry, inviting Mr Hassan to explain his comments and provide proof.

"If proven, the allegation would suggest that ministerial appointments are treated as private investments rather than positions of public trust," the council said.

They argued that if these payments are true, it raises questions about whether ministers are working for the public or just looking to make money for themselves.

The ADC-PCC said these allegations need an explanation from the Presidency, especially now when many Nigerians are struggling with economic challenges and security issues.

Previous Controversy

Mr Hassan made his remarks on Thursday, 22 October, on ARISE Television’s Prime Time program while defending President Tinubu’s control over government spending.

He claimed that some ministers paid billions of naira for their appointments but later said this practice is not unique to the APC government and has happened in past administrations. He did not name any ministers or provide proof of the alleged payments.

On 23 October, Atiku Abubakar also challenged Mr Tinubu to identify those involved and explain who got the money. The ADC-PCC's recent statement adds pressure for investigations by anti-corruption agencies and a possible inquiry by the National Assembly.