Former Kogi West senator, Dino Melaye, has accused President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) of desperation over the appointment of the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Zacch Adedeji, as Deputy Director of Fundraising for Tinubu’s 2027 presidential campaign.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Monday, Melaye argued that Adedeji’s involvement in fundraising for the President’s re-election campaign while serving as head of a major government revenue agency amounted to a conflict of interest.
The former lawmaker said Adedeji’s appointment as NRS chairman was confirmed by the Senate and, as a public office holder, he is expected to operate in line with existing laws and public service regulations.
According to Melaye, it would be inappropriate for Adedeji to simultaneously head the NRS and play a key role in raising funds for the campaign of a sitting president.
He said he intends to challenge the matter in court, arguing that the case would test the legality of the appointment and what he described as the administration’s alleged disregard for due process.
Melaye further claimed that the inclusion of other serving government officials, including the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), in the campaign fundraising structure raised additional concerns.
He accused the President and the APC of prioritising political interests and alleged that the appointments reflected a broader effort to secure funds for Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The former senator also reacted to reports that the campaign list had been suspended, claiming that the decision came after public criticism of the appointments.
According to him, the explanation that some names were omitted from the list was an attempt to deflect attention from the controversy surrounding the inclusion of serving government officials.
Melaye insisted that he would continue to challenge the matter, maintaining that public office holders must be held accountable and operate within the limits of the law.
