ADC Asks Tinubu to Probe Alleged Payments for Ministerial Appointments

The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to address allegations that some ministers in his administration allegedly paid money to secure their appointments and later sought to recover their investments while in office.

The council made the demand in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, following reported remarks by Alwan Hassan, a spokesperson for Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council.

Hassan reportedly made the allegation during a live television programme, claiming that some ministers paid substantial sums to obtain their positions and subsequently focused on recouping the money rather than prioritising governance.

Reacting, the ADC-PCC said the allegation, if established, would raise serious concerns about the transparency of ministerial appointments, accountability in government and the integrity of the process used to select members of the Federal Executive Council.

The council urged Tinubu to clarify whether he was aware of the alleged payments, whether any investigation had been initiated and what measures his administration intended to take.

It also challenged Hassan to substantiate his claims by identifying the ministers allegedly involved, stating the amounts purportedly paid and disclosing the individuals or entities that allegedly received the money.

The ADC-PCC further called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to investigate any credible evidence of financial inducements connected to ministerial appointments.

It also urged the National Assembly to consider a transparent public inquiry into the allegations, including inviting Hassan to explain his reported remarks and present any supporting evidence.

The council stressed that its demands were not a substitute for evidence or due process, but necessary steps to establish the facts and protect the integrity of public institutions.

It maintained that public appointments should be based on competence, integrity and commitment to national service, rather than financial considerations or expectations of private returns.

The allegations have not been independently established, and the call for an investigation does not establish wrongdoing by any minister.

The ADC-PCC urged Nigerians to scrutinise the records and accountability of political leaders as the country approaches the 2027 general election.