The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to respond to allegations by his campaign spokesperson, Alwan Hassan, that some ministers pay billions of naira to secure appointments and later seek to recover the money while in office.
The council said the allegation raises serious questions about the process of appointing ministers, accountability in government and whether public offices are being treated as positions of public service or opportunities for personal gain.
Hassan made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television, where he was discussing the Tinubu administration’s management of government revenue and expenditure. He alleged that some ministers pay huge sums to secure their positions and begin thinking about how to recover their money after taking office.
He did not name any minister or provide evidence to substantiate the allegation. He also indicated that the practice he was describing was not limited to the current administration, but had occurred under previous governments.
In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the ADC-PCC said the allegation could not be ignored without a clear response from the Presidency.
The council argued that, if substantiated, the claim would raise serious concerns about the integrity of the process through which public offices are filled and whether financial considerations influence appointments.
It added that Nigerians deserved to know whether the President was aware of the alleged practice, whether any investigation had begun and what steps the government would take to address the matter.
The ADC-PCC also called on Hassan to provide details of his claims, including the identities of the ministers allegedly involved, the amounts purportedly paid and the individuals who received the money.
The council urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate any credible evidence of financial inducements linked to ministerial appointments.
It further called on the National Assembly to consider a public inquiry into the allegation and invite Hassan to explain his remarks and provide any supporting evidence.
According to the council, public appointments should be based on competence, integrity and commitment to national service rather than financial inducements or expectations of personal returns.
The ADC-PCC said the issue was particularly important at a time when Nigerians were facing rising living costs, insecurity and continuing economic difficulties.
It questioned whether the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda was adequately addressing the needs of ordinary citizens if allegations of financial transactions surrounding public appointments remained unexplained.
The council, however, stressed that its demands were not a substitute for evidence or due process, but necessary steps to establish the facts and ensure that any wrongdoing was addressed in accordance with the law.
Hassan’s remarks have drawn attention to questions about ministerial appointments and the management of public funds. However, his allegation remains unsubstantiated, and no specific minister was identified in the reported interview.
The ADC-PCC urged Nigerians to scrutinise the records and accountability of political leaders ahead of the 2027 general election, while promoting the presidential candidacy of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as an alternative platform for discussions on governance, economic recovery and public accountability.
The council maintained that the Presidency should respond to the allegation, arguing that a clear explanation would help address public concerns and establish the facts.
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