2027: ‘Tinubu, APC Too Desperate’ — Dino Melaye Attacks NRS Boss Over Campaign Fundraising Role

Former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress over the reported appointment of the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, NRS, Zacch Adedeji, as Deputy Director of Fundraising for Tinubu’s 2027 presidential campaign.

Melaye, who said he would challenge the appointment in court, made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Monday.

According to the former lawmaker, Adedeji’s position as NRS chairman creates a potential conflict of interest because the agency is responsible for revenue administration and is subject to public-service rules.

Melaye argued that Adedeji could not simultaneously serve as chairman of the NRS and participate in fundraising activities for the presidential campaign of a sitting President.

“Zacch Adedeji cannot be the chairman of the NRS and, at the same time, be a fundraiser for the presidential campaign of a sitting President,” Melaye said.

He described the alleged appointment as a conflict of interest and said he intended to test its legality in court.

Melaye further accused the APC and the Tinubu administration of disregarding established rules, arguing that Nigeria should not operate as a country where public officials can freely combine official responsibilities with partisan political activities.

He also questioned the inclusion of the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited in the reported campaign structure.

“These people are not serious. These people are corrupt. These people are desperate,” Melaye alleged.

The former senator also claimed that the campaign list was subsequently suspended following public criticism.

He alleged that the explanation that some names were missing from the list was merely a cover for the suspension, insisting that his public objections contributed to the development.

Melaye maintained that the issue should be subjected to legal scrutiny to determine whether the reported appointment complies with Nigeria’s laws and public-service regulations.