The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to respond to an allegation by his campaign spokesperson, Alwan Hassan, that some ministers allegedly paid to secure their appointments.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Director of Media and Publicity of ADC-PCC, Kola Ologbondiyan, said the allegation, reportedly made during a live television programme, raised questions about the integrity of ministerial appointments.
Hassan was reported to have said that some ministers allegedly paid money to secure their positions and were now focused on recovering their investments.
The ADC-PCC said that, if substantiated, the allegation would raise concerns about the process through which public offices were filled.
“The allegation, if established, would suggest that ministerial appointments were treated as private investments rather than positions of public trust. It would also raise concerns about whether decisions affecting millions of Nigerians are being influenced by personal financial interests,” the council said.
It said that amid rising living costs and economic difficulties, Nigerians should not have to contend with uncertainty over the integrity of public offices.
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The ADC-PCC called on Tinubu to clarify whether he was aware of the allegation, whether an investigation had been initiated and what steps his administration intended to take.
It also urged Hassan to publicly substantiate his reported claims by identifying those allegedly involved.
The council called on anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), to examine any evidence of financial inducements linked to ministerial appointments.
It also urged the National Assembly to consider conducting a transparent public inquiry.
“These demands are not a substitute for evidence or due process. Rather, they are necessary steps to establish facts, protect integrity of public institutions and ensure any wrongdoing is addressed in accordance with law,” it stated.
The council said Nigerians deserved a government in which public appointments were made in the national interest.
“As the country approaches the 2027 general election, the ADC-PCC calls on Nigerians to scrutinise records, policies and accountability of political leaders,” the statement added.
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