The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has asked President Bola Tinubu to explain a claim by his own campaign spokesman, Alwan Hassan, that some ministers bought their way into office and are now working to get their money back. The council said on Tuesday that the allegation is too serious to be brushed aside.
Hassan reportedly made the claim on a live television programme. He was quoted as saying that certain ministers paid to secure their appointments and are now concentrating on recovering their outlay before turning to the work of governance.
In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the ADC-PCC said the claim, if proven, would be a grave indictment of the way public offices are filled.
It described the allegation as especially worrying because it came from a figure associated with the President’s own political camp.
The council said Nigerians are entitled to a clear answer from the Presidency and warned that a claim of this scale should not be ignored or dismissed without a transparent explanation.
It argued that the allegation points to ministerial positions being treated as private investments rather than posts of public trust, and raises doubts about whether decisions affecting millions of citizens are influenced by the personal financial interests of officials.
The group tied the matter to the daily struggles of Nigerians, pointing to rising living costs, insecurity and strain on household incomes. It said the country cannot afford uncertainty about the integrity and priorities of those holding its highest offices, and maintained that the claim undermines the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Public office is a responsibility, not a commercial transaction,” the council said, adding that appointments should be based on competence, integrity and national service, not financial inducements.
The ADC-PCC made four demands:
Presidential response: Tinubu should address the nation and state whether he is aware of the allegation, whether any investigation has started, and what steps he intends to take.
Clarification from Hassan: The spokesman should publicly substantiate his claims by naming the ministers allegedly involved, the amounts said to have been paid and those who received the money.
Independent investigation: The EFCC, the ICPC and other relevant agencies should examine all evidence of financial inducements linked to ministerial appointments, with anyone found culpable facing the full weight of the law.
National Assembly inquiry: Lawmakers should consider a transparent public inquiry and invite Hassan to explain his remarks and present any evidence available to him.
The council stressed that the demands are not a replacement for evidence or due process, but necessary steps to establish the facts, safeguard public institutions and ensure that any wrongdoing is handled according to law.
It warned that silence or an evasive response from the President would only deepen public concern and leave key questions unanswered.
As the 2027 general election draws near, the ADC-PCC urged Nigerians to examine the records, policies and accountability of political leaders before making their choice.
It added that the candidacy of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar offers an alternative platform for debating governance, economic recovery, public accountability and national renewal.
