Nigeria: Concerns Over Inclusion of Betta Edu, Others in Tinubu's Campaign Council

What the report says

Daily Trust reported from Abuja that the release of the 2027 APC Presidential Campaign Council list has drawn criticism over the inclusion of several public figures, including former humanitarian affairs minister Betta Edu, former NSITF board chair Ngozi Olejeme and National Revenue Service chairman Zacheus Adedeji. In the council structure, Edu was assigned to women mobilization, Olejeme to election planning and coordination in the South-South, and Adedeji to fundraising as deputy director.

The report said objections center on the corruption-related allegations that have surrounded Edu and Olejeme in the past, as well as concern that Adedeji’s role at a federal revenue agency could create an ethical conflict in a campaign finance position. Daily Trust noted that Edu was suspended in 2024 after a controversy over the alleged transfer of public funds to a private account, while Olejeme has faced multiple anti-graft cases and asset forfeiture proceedings. The article also said the campaign council has not yet been inaugurated, and APC officials contacted for comment were unavailable.

The piece added that lawyers offered differing views. One argued that the appointments may be politically and ethically troubling, especially for a public revenue official, while another said there is no legal bar because allegations are not convictions and Nigeria’s presumption of innocence still applies. The controversy highlights wider debate over standards for political appointments and the relationship between public office, campaign work and public trust.