The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council has called on President Bola Tinubu to clarify allegations that some members of his cabinet allegedly paid billions of naira to secure ministerial positions in his administration.
The council maintained that the claims, if proven, could raise serious concerns about the integrity of the appointment process and the commitment of public officials to serving Nigerians.
The council’s reaction followed remarks attributed to Alwan Hassan, one of the president’s campaign spokespersons, during an interview with ARISE News. Hassan reportedly claimed that some individuals appointed as ministers had paid substantial sums to obtain their positions, leaving them more concerned about recovering their financial investments than fulfilling their responsibilities to the public.
“Ministers pay billions and billions to get appointed, and then they think of recouping that money,” he said.
Responding to the allegation, the ADC-PCC argued that the claims warranted urgent clarification from the Presidency, particularly given their implications for transparency, accountability and the criteria used to select members of the Federal Executive Council. The council questioned whether financial considerations had influenced appointments that should ordinarily be based on competence, integrity and a commitment to national development.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the council expressed concern that the allegation had reportedly come from someone associated with the president’s political camp. According to the ADC-PCC, the source of the claim made it necessary for the administration to provide a clear explanation rather than allow the matter to remain unresolved.
The statement read, “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. It is particularly troubling that the allegation is attributed to a figure associated with the President’s political camp.”
The opposition council maintained that the Presidency owed Nigerians an unambiguous response to the claims, stressing that allegations of such magnitude required more than silence or a dismissal without a detailed explanation. It argued that the credibility of the country’s public institutions could be affected if questions surrounding the appointment of senior government officials were left unanswered.
ADC-PCC further warned that, if the allegations were established, they could indicate that ministerial positions were being viewed as financial investments expected to generate returns rather than responsibilities entrusted to individuals for the benefit of the country. The council said such a situation would undermine the fundamental principles governing public service.
It added, “It would also raise concerns about whether decisions affecting millions of Nigerians are being influenced by the personal financial interests of those entrusted with public responsibility.”
The council also drew attention to the country’s prevailing economic and security challenges, arguing that the allegations had emerged at a time when many citizens were struggling with financial hardship and uncertainty. It said Nigerians needed confidence that those occupying positions of authority were focused on addressing the country’s problems rather than pursuing personal financial interests.
It said, “At a time when Nigerians are grappling with rising living costs, insecurity, pressure on household incomes and persistent economic difficulties, the country cannot afford uncertainty over the integrity and priorities of those occupying its highest public offices.”
The ADC-PCC subsequently questioned whether the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda was adequately addressing the needs and expectations of ordinary Nigerians. It argued that public confidence in government depended partly on ensuring that appointments to sensitive positions were free from improper financial considerations.
Reiterating its position on ethical leadership, the council emphasised that ministerial appointments should reflect the qualifications, character and public-service record of nominees rather than any financial inducements or expectations of personal gain.
Emphasising the importance of integrity in public service, the council stated, “Public office is a responsibility, not a commercial transaction. Ministerial appointments must be guided by competence, integrity and a commitment to national service—not by financial inducements or expectations of private returns.”
In response to the controversy, the ADC-PCC presented four key demands, calling for clarification, investigation and accountability from the relevant authorities. Its first demand was for President Tinubu to address Nigerians directly on the allegation, explain whether he had prior knowledge of the claims, disclose whether any investigation had commenced and outline the measures his administration intended to pursue.
The council’s second demand was directed at Hassan, whom it urged to provide specific details supporting his reported remarks. It called on the presidential campaign spokesperson to identify the ministers allegedly involved, disclose the amounts purportedly paid for their appointments and name the individuals who allegedly received the money. The council maintained that providing verifiable details would help establish the facts surrounding the allegation.
Third, the ADC-PCC called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to examine any available evidence of financial inducements linked to ministerial appointments. It insisted that appropriate legal action should follow if investigations established that any individual had engaged in wrongdoing.
The council’s fourth demand was directed at the National Assembly, which it urged to consider opening a transparent public inquiry into the matter. It proposed that lawmakers invite Hassan to explain the context of his reported comments and present any evidence in his possession that could assist in determining the veracity of the allegation.
The ADC-PCC clarified that its demands were not intended to replace established investigative procedures or the requirement for credible evidence. Rather, it said the proposed measures were necessary to establish the facts, preserve public confidence in government institutions and ensure that any proven misconduct was addressed through the appropriate legal channels.
The council reiterated that Nigerians deserved an administration in which appointments to public office were determined by the national interest and the management of public resources prioritised citizens’ welfare. It maintained that government positions should not become avenues for individuals to recover private financial investments at the expense of their official responsibilities.
The ADC-PCC also cautioned that an inadequate response from the president could intensify public suspicion and leave important questions about the appointment process unresolved. It argued that a clear explanation would help address concerns surrounding the allegation and demonstrate the administration’s willingness to uphold accountability.
“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.
With the 2027 general election approaching, the council urged Nigerians to assess political leaders based on their records in office, policy choices and commitment to accountability before deciding who should lead the country. It maintained that public scrutiny of political officeholders remained essential to ensuring responsible leadership and strengthening democratic institutions.
The ADC-PCC also presented the presidential candidacy of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as an alternative political platform for addressing issues surrounding governance, economic recovery, transparency and national development. The council said these issues should remain central to discussions about Nigeria’s political direction and future leadership.
