2027: Tinubu’s campaign council is ‘rehabilitation centre’ for corruption suspects — ADC

Concerns Over Corruption and Political Rehabilitation

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has described the emerging 2027 campaign council of President Bola Tinubu as a “rehabilitation centre” for individuals facing unresolved corruption allegations. In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party questioned the rationale behind the reported return of persons previously linked to corruption investigations into the political fold.

The ADC specifically raised concerns over the inclusion of former Humanitarian Affairs Minister, Betta Edu, and former Chairman of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Ngozi Olejeme. The party argued that these developments raise significant questions about the status of corruption cases involving individuals being considered for strategic political roles ahead of the 2027 general elections.

If they have been cleared, the government should show how and when and by whom they were cleared.

— Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary, African Democratic Congress (ADC)

Accountability and the Status of Investigations

The party questioned the return of Betta Edu to political relevance following her suspension as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. Her suspension followed a controversy surrounding an attempted transfer of N585 million into a private account. Similarly, the ADC cited the case of Ngozi Olejeme, who has faced prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged financial malpractices.

According to the ADC, Nigerians deserve to know whether allegations against individuals returning to public life have been thoroughly investigated and resolved or merely abandoned. The opposition party alleged that corruption investigations under the Tinubu administration increasingly disappear from public view, only for those linked to such cases to subsequently resurface in official positions.

Under this government, corruption allegations increasingly appear to have an expiry date.

— Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary, African Democratic Congress (ADC)

Economic Performance and the 2027 Outlook

The ADC argued that such developments could undermine public confidence in the government's anti-corruption campaign, particularly when individuals facing unresolved allegations are brought back into positions of influence. The party stated that the 2027 presidential election would provide Nigerians with an opportunity to assess the performance of the Tinubu administration over its first three years in office.

Critiquing the administration's economic record, the party accused the government of worsening poverty and the cost-of-living crisis. It alleged that while many Nigerians struggle with high food prices and rising expenses, those who are politically connected continue to enjoy what it described as “obscene opulence.”

They cannot campaign away the cost of living crisis or the endemic poverty that their bad policies have created.

— Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary, African Democratic Congress (ADC)

Proposals for Fuel Subsidy Reform and Transparency

Addressing the ongoing fuel crisis, the ADC renewed its call for a targeted, capped, and independently audited subsidy on fuel production. The party suggested this as a means of reducing pump prices and easing pressure on households, provided the arrangement is subject to strict transparency and accountability mechanisms to prevent the abuse seen in previous regimes.

Our proposal is straightforward: every naira must be traceable and every barrel accounted for.

— Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary, African Democratic Congress (ADC)

The party also challenged the Tinubu administration to account for what it described as wasteful expenditure and “wrong-headed policies.” The ADC maintained that the electorate would judge the administration by its record on corruption, poverty, and the cost of living rather than political rhetoric as the 2027 contest approaches.