The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has challenged President Bola Tinubu to address allegations that some ministers in his administration paid billions of naira to secure their appointments.
The council also called on anti-corruption agencies to investigate the claims, which were reportedly made by Alwan Hassan, a spokesperson associated with Tinubu’s campaign, during an interview on ARISE News.
Hassan allegedly claimed that some ministers spent huge sums to obtain their positions and subsequently prioritised recovering their investments rather than serving the public interest.
“Ministers pay billions and billions to get appointed, and then they think of recouping that money,” he was quoted as saying.
Reacting in a statement issued on Tuesday, the ADC-PCC, through its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, said the allegation raised serious questions about the integrity of ministerial appointments, accountability in government and the selection of members of the Federal Executive Council.
The council said the claim was particularly concerning because it was attributed to someone associated with the President’s political camp.
“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 statement read.
The ADC-PCC insisted that Nigerians deserved a clear response from the Presidency, arguing that an allegation of such magnitude should not be ignored without a transparent explanation.
According to the council, if established, the claim would suggest that ministerial appointments were being 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 the personal financial interests of those entrusted with public responsibility,” it added.
ADC Demands Presidential Explanation, Investigation
The opposition campaign council said the allegation had emerged at a time when Nigerians were contending with rising living costs, insecurity, pressure on household incomes and persistent economic difficulties.
It questioned whether the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda was adequately addressing the interests of ordinary citizens amid concerns about the integrity of those occupying senior public offices.
“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,” the council stated.
The ADC-PCC outlined four demands in response to the allegation.
First, it called on Tinubu to address the nation and clarify whether he was aware of the claim, whether an investigation had been initiated and what steps his administration intended to take.
Second, it challenged Hassan to substantiate his reported remarks by identifying the ministers allegedly involved, disclosing the sums purportedly paid and naming those who allegedly received the money.
Third, the council urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate any evidence of financial inducements connected to ministerial appointments.
It said anyone found culpable should face the full consequences of the law.
Fourth, the ADC-PCC called on the National Assembly to consider a transparent public inquiry into the allegation, including inviting Hassan to clarify his reported comments and provide any supporting evidence available to him.
The council stressed that its demands were not a substitute for evidence or due process, but measures it considered necessary to establish the facts, protect public institutions and ensure accountability.
ADC Links Allegation to 2027 Elections
The campaign council maintained that Nigerians deserved a government in which public appointments were based on competence and national interest, while public resources were managed for the benefit of citizens.
It warned that failure by the President to respond adequately could deepen public concern and leave important questions about the appointment process unanswered.
“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 elections approaching, the ADC-PCC urged Nigerians to scrutinise the records, policies and accountability of political leaders before deciding the country’s future.
The council also presented the presidential candidacy of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as an alternative platform for discussions on governance, economic recovery, public accountability and national renewal.
The allegation, however, remains unsubstantiated in the information provided. No ministers were identified in the reported remarks, and no evidence was presented to establish that payments were made to secure ministerial appointments.
The Presidency, Hassan, and the relevant anti-corruption agencies should be given an opportunity to respond to the claims before any conclusions are drawn.
