By Our Correspondent
A fresh political controversy is unfolding as the African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) challenges President Bola Tinubu to explain allegations that some ministers in his administration allegedly paid billions of naira to secure their appointments.
The demand followed a reported statement by Alwan Hassan, one of Tinubu’s campaign spokespersons, during an interview on ARISE News.
Hassan reportedly alleged that some ministers spent enormous sums to obtain their positions and subsequently focused on recovering their investments rather than serving Nigerians.
“Ministers pay billions and billions to get appointed, and then they think of recouping that money,” he said.
The allegation has prompted the ADC-PCC to demand answers, raising questions about the integrity of ministerial appointments and the possible implications for public accountability.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the council’s Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, described the allegation as particularly troubling because it was reportedly made by someone associated with the president’s political camp.
The council insisted that the Presidency must clarify the matter, arguing that allegations involving the possible exchange of money for public appointments cannot be left unanswered.
“If substantiated, such an allegation would represent a grave indictment of the process through which public offices are filled and the principles of public service,” the statement said.
Four Questions Tinubu Must Answer
The ADC-PCC has outlined four major demands that could determine the next phase of the controversy.
1. Will Tinubu Address Nigerians?
The council wants the president to clarify whether he knew about the alleged payments, whether any investigation has begun and what action his administration intends to take.
2. Who Allegedly Paid the Money?
The ADC-PCC has challenged Hassan to provide evidence supporting his reported claim, including the identities of the ministers allegedly involved, the amounts purportedly paid and the identities of those who allegedly received the money.
3. Will Anti-Corruption Agencies Investigate?
The council has called on the EFCC and ICPC to investigate any available evidence of financial inducements linked to ministerial appointments.
It also demanded that anyone found guilty be dealt with according to the law.
4. Will the National Assembly Intervene?
The ADC-PCC wants lawmakers to consider a public inquiry into the allegation and invite Hassan to explain his reported remarks and present any supporting evidence.
Renewed Hope Agenda Comes Under Scrutiny
Beyond the allegations, the council questioned whether the controversy reflected broader concerns about accountability and the management of public affairs.
It argued that Nigerians already facing rising prices, insecurity and economic pressure deserve assurances that public appointments are made in the national interest.
According to the council, ministerial positions should be based on competence, integrity and commitment to public service—not financial arrangements intended to generate private returns.
It further warned that an inadequate response from the Presidency could leave Nigerians with more questions about the circumstances surrounding government appointments.
“President Tinubu must respond to this allegation. Silence or an evasive response would only deepen public concern and leave critical questions unanswered,” the statement added.
2027 Election Debate Takes a New Turn
The ADC-PCC has also placed the controversy within the broader political debate ahead of the 2027 general election.
The council urged Nigerians to examine the records and accountability of political leaders, while presenting former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s presidential candidacy as an alternative on issues of governance, economic recovery and national renewal.
For now, the central questions remain unanswered: Will President Tinubu respond to the allegation? Will Hassan publicly substantiate his reported claims? And will the EFCC, ICPC or National Assembly take up the matter?
No evidence establishing that ministers paid money for their appointments is provided in the account, and the allegations should not be treated as proven misconduct.
The answers to those questions will determine whether the controversy leads to an official investigation or remains a political dispute.
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