The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the composition of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 presidential campaign council, describing it as a “rehabilitation centre” for individuals facing unresolved corruption allegations.

The party questioned the inclusion of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, and former Chairman of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Ngozi Olejeme, in the campaign council.

The ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, made the comments in a statement on Saturday following the unveiling of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign council for the 2027 election.

Under the structure, President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima will serve as chairman and vice-chairman respectively, while APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda will serve as Vice-Chairman II.

Former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari was named Director-General, while Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma will serve as Secretary.

Other members include Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, the President’s Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila and former campaign operative James Faleke.

Ms Edu was appointed Director of Women Mobilisation, while Ms Olejeme was named Zonal Director for Election Planning, Coordination and Mobilisation for the South-South.

Mr Abdullahi said the appointments raised questions about the status of corruption investigations involving the two former officials.

“What should ordinarily be a political task team ends up looking like a rehabilitation system for individuals carrying unresolved questions of corruption and public accountability,” he said.

Ms Edu was suspended by President Tinubu in January 2024 following controversy over an alleged request to transfer N585 million to a private account. She denied wrongdoing, while the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigated the matter.

The ADC also questioned the inclusion of Ms Olejeme, who faced EFCC prosecution over alleged financial offences connected to her tenure at the NSITF.

Mr Abdullahi said the government should explain whether the cases involving the two former officials had been concluded.

“If they have been cleared, the government should show how and when and by whom they were cleared,” he said.

The ADC accused the Tinubu administration of allowing investigations into alleged financial crimes to fade before individuals involved later return to political or public positions.

The party said such developments could undermine public confidence in the government’s anti-corruption campaign.

The ADC also described the 2027 presidential election as a referendum on President Tinubu’s record in office.

“For emphasis, the 2027 election will be a referendum on President Tinubu’s record,” the statement said.

The party criticised the administration over rising living costs and poverty, arguing that Nigerians had been asked to endure economic hardship while people connected to government continued to enjoy privileges.

The ADC has positioned itself as a major opposition platform ahead of the 2027 election. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is its presidential candidate, with former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as his running mate.

Mr Abdullahi also defended Atiku’s proposal to introduce a targeted fuel subsidy if elected president.

Atiku recently said he would restore a form of subsidy while ensuring that individuals who diverted public funds meant for the scheme would return the money.

The proposal drew criticism from the presidency and the APC, which argued that the subsidy regime had become financially unsustainable.

The ADC said its proposal was not a return to the previous subsidy system but a “targeted, capped, budgeted and independently audited subsidy intervention” aimed at reducing fuel production costs and pump prices.

Mr Abdullahi said any such intervention must be subject to strict financial controls.

“Our proposal is straightforward: every naira must be traceable and every barrel accounted for,” he said.

The ADC said the government should also account for its own expenditure before rejecting measures aimed at reducing the financial pressure on Nigerians.