APC Defends Betta Edu’s Appointment to Tinubu 2027 Campaign: “It’s an Internal Party Affair”

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has brushed aside public outcry over the appointment of suspended former Minister Betta Edu to President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign council, insisting the decision is a private party matter that does not require public approval.

The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council has firmly defended its decision to appoint Betta Edu, the suspended former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, to a key role in President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign, despite her ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for an alleged N585 million fraud scandal. Speaking on Channels TV on Monday, Kemi Asekun-Shittu, spokesperson for the APC Presidential Campaign Council, justified the appointment, arguing that it falls strictly within the party’s internal prerogatives and is “not a public thing.”

When pressed on why the party would appoint a figure publicly embroiled in a high-profile corruption case, Asekun-Shittu offered a three-pronged defense. She began by framing the appointment as an internal party decision, stating, “I need you to see it from this angle. It is an internal party affair if we decide that she is going to be useful, and be able to work on behalf of the party, she does have a right. It is not a public thing.” The spokesperson emphasized that the APC, as a political organization, has the discretion to select individuals it deems valuable for its campaign machinery, regardless of their legal standing. She further invoked the constitutional principle of presumption of innocence, arguing that Edu has not been convicted by any court of law. “I’d like to say that for Betta Edu, for example, she has not been found guilty. And it would be unfair to ask her to leave her life or refuse to live until the EFCC declares her,” she said, expressing confidence that there is a “very likely issue that she may not be found guilty” as the investigation unfolds. While defending the appointment, Asekun-Shittu conceded that the EFCC probe remains active, admitting, “That matter is still with the EFCC; it is being handled,” without providing a timeline for when the investigation might conclude.

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Betta Edu was suspended from her ministerial position in January 2024 following allegations that she directed N585 million in public funds—earmarked for vulnerable citizens—to be diverted into a private bank account. The scandal triggered widespread public outrage and prompted President Tinubu to order a thorough EFCC investigation. The EFCC has since confirmed that it has recovered over N30 billion in connected investigations, though Edu’s specific case remains open. Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, told the People Gazette: “I cannot give you a one-word answer. But the thing I can say concerning her matter is that investigations are still ongoing.” Despite her suspension and subsequent removal from the cabinet in 2024, Edu was appointed on August 22, 2026 as Director of Women Mobilisation for Tinubu’s 2027 campaign, a role that positions her at the forefront of grassroots outreach to female voters.

The Betta Edu appointment is not an isolated incident, as the 2027 campaign council list, unveiled by Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s spokesperson, includes several other figures with significant legal and ethical baggage. Among them is Ngozi Olejeme, appointed as Zonal Director of Election Planning, who is facing trial for alleged N1 billion fraud and was previously declared wanted by the EFCC. Also included are Jolly Nyame and Joshua Dariye, both former governors who have been convicted of looting multi-billion-naira public funds. Additionally, serving public officials such as Zacch Adedeji, the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and Tanimu Yakubu, Director-General of the Budget Office, have been named as members, raising concerns over the mixing of governance responsibilities with partisan campaigning. The inclusion of convicted former governors Nyame and Dariye has drawn particular criticism, as both had been found guilty of corruption charges while in office.

The appointments have sparked a wave of criticism from opposition parties, civil society organizations, and legal practitioners. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) condemned the appointments, suggesting the campaign council serves as a “rehabilitation system” for politically exposed persons facing corruption probes, and questioned the government’s commitment to the anti-corruption agenda it campaigned on in 2023. Nigerian lawyers have expressed mixed but largely critical views, with Kano-based lawyer Umar Usman Danbaito telling the People Gazette: “While there may be no legal barrier to the appointments, there are serious moral and ethical concerns. These appointments send bad signals to the electorate and could erode public trust in the government’s anti-corruption fight.” Other legal observers have warned that including serving public officials like the FIRS Chairman and Budget Office Director-General could blur the constitutional lines between governance and partisan campaigning, potentially violating the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.

When contacted for an update on Betta Edu’s investigation, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale declined to provide a definitive timeline, stating only that “investigations are still ongoing.” This lack of resolution—nearly three years after her suspension—has fueled public skepticism about the Nigerian government’s commitment to prosecuting high-profile corruption cases, especially involving political allies, and has raised questions about the effectiveness and independence of the EFCC in handling politically sensitive matters.

Political analysts suggest the APC’s decision to appoint controversial figures reflects a strategy that prioritizes political loyalty and grassroots mobilization capacity over public perception of integrity, signaling a calculated political calculus that values organizational strength and electoral utility above public approval. However, critics warn that this approach could alienate reform-minded voters and undermine President Tinubu’s credibility on anti-corruption—a key campaign promise in 2023 that helped secure his victory. As the 2027 elections approach, the APC campaign council composition is likely to remain a contentious issue, with the opposition expected to weaponize these appointments in their electoral campaigns, framing the ruling party as indifferent to accountability and captured by corrupt interests.

APC Defends Betta Edu’s Appointment to Tinubu 2027 Campaign: “It’s an Internal Party Affair”

Gunmen kill Kano APC chairman, two others in fresh Bebeji attack

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have killed the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman of Rantan Ward in Bebeji Local Government Area of Kano State, Alhaji Garba Buba, in a fresh attack that claimed the lives of two other residents.

The attackers reportedly invaded Rantan community on Sunday night and opened fire on residents, sending people fleeing from their homes in search of safety.

Buba was reportedly shot inside his residence during the attack and was later rushed to a hospital, where he died from the injuries sustained.

Another resident, identified as Sulaiman Zunduma, was reportedly killed at the scene after being shot by the attackers.

A community resident, Hamza Isah Rantan, confirmed the incident in a Facebook post, saying suspected kidnappers invaded the community during the night and attacked residents.

“On Sunday night kidnappers attacked our town, Rantan, where they shot Alhaji Garab Buha, the APC ward chairman in Rantan, who later died in a hospital. They also killed another resident, Sulaiman Zunduma,” he said.

Hamza prayed for the repose of the deceased and the recovery of those who sustained injuries during the attack.

The killing of Buba was also confirmed by Kano State APC spokesperson Auwalu Soja, who described the incident as an assassination.

Soja said the party would issue a formal statement on the killing and provide further details.

A member of Buba’s family, Hafsat Garba Rantan, also confirmed his death, describing him as her paternal uncle.

Initial accounts from residents identified Buba and Zunduma as the two people killed, while another resident, Alhaji Sa’adu, was reported to have sustained gunshot injuries.

However, the Kano State Police Command subsequently confirmed that three people were killed during the attack, indicating that the death toll was higher than the initial community accounts.

The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Ibrahim Bakori, said the command had commenced an investigation into the attack and was working to identify and apprehend those responsible.

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The police confirmation came amid intensified security operations across Kano State as authorities seek to contain the activities of armed criminal groups in vulnerable communities.

The command said its recent operations had resulted in the arrest of 244 suspects in August, alongside the recovery of weapons and other items linked to criminal activities.

The police said intelligence-led operations, targeted raids, 24-hour patrols and increased engagement with communities had helped improve security in several parts of Kano.

However, the latest attack in Bebeji has raised fresh concerns about the security of residents in rural communities, particularly at night when armed groups can exploit limited security presence.

The Rantan attack occurred less than 24 hours after suspected bandits invaded Chiromawa community in Garun Malam Local Government Area, where they abducted Alhaji Yusuf Nadabo Chiromawa, the Sarkin Noman Kano.

The incident occurred at about 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, according to the police, after the attackers invaded the community and opened fire.

Several residents were shot during the attack, with the police identifying three injured victims as Yusif Nasiru, Salisu Garba and Ibrahim Hassan, all aged 20.

The police said tactical teams and personnel from neighbouring divisions were immediately mobilised after receiving a distress call.

Security operatives, working alongside members of the local community, subsequently launched a pursuit of the attackers.

The pressure reportedly forced the gunmen to abandon Nadabo, who was rescued unharmed.

The rescue came as a relief to residents but did little to ease concerns over the ability of armed groups to launch attacks and abduct residents in communities around the state.

The two incidents within a short period have renewed concerns about banditry, kidnapping and armed attacks in Kano State, particularly in communities close to areas where criminal groups operate.

The killing of Buba has also attracted political attention because he was an APC ward chairman and a grassroots party leader in Bebeji.

His death comes as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general election, although security authorities have not linked the killing to political rivalry or established a political motive.

The police have continued to describe the attackers as suspected kidnappers or gunmen while investigations into the incident continue.

Authorities are expected to intensify efforts to track the perpetrators and prevent further attacks in Bebeji and neighbouring communities.

Residents have also called for stronger security measures, improved intelligence gathering and quicker response to distress calls to protect vulnerable communities.

The latest incident has once again highlighted the security challenges facing parts of northern Nigeria, where communities continue to demand sustained action against kidnapping and banditry.

For now, the Kano State Police Command says its investigation into the Rantan attack is ongoing, with efforts focused on identifying and apprehending those responsible for the killings.

The death of Garba Buba, a serving APC ward chairman, and the other victims has further heightened calls for stronger security measures to protect residents across Kano’s rural communities.

Gunmen kill Kano APC chairman, two others in fresh Bebeji attack

2027: Donald Duke warns divided opposition could hand Tinubu victory

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Donald Duke, has warned that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu could win the 2027 presidential election if opposition parties fail to unite behind a common candidate.

Duke, a former governor of Cross River State, gave the warning on Monday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, shortly after attending a meeting of major opposition parties in Abuja to discuss plans for greater cooperation ahead of the 2027 general election.

The meeting brought together representatives of six opposition parties — the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), PRP and Social Democratic Party (SDP) — as part of renewed efforts to build a common political platform against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

However, prominent opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar of the ADC and Peter Obi of the NDC, were absent from the gathering.

Duke said the absence of unity among opposition parties could repeat the pattern witnessed during the 2023 presidential election, when votes were divided among several major candidates.

“Absolutely, with the chequered opposition it won’t work; Tinubu might win,” Duke said when asked whether a fragmented opposition could allow the President to secure another term.

He argued that Tinubu would not necessarily need to win more than half of the votes cast nationwide to emerge victorious, because Nigeria’s constitutional requirements allow a presidential candidate to win by securing the highest number of votes while meeting the required geographical spread.

Duke recalled that Tinubu won about 37 per cent of the votes in 2023, suggesting that a similar pattern could occur in 2027 if opposition candidates remain divided.

“Last time he had about 37 per cent of the votes. So that scenario may replay itself,” he said.

“It may even be less. He may get maybe 25 per cent,” Duke added.

According to the PRP candidate, the opposition’s fragmentation could enable Tinubu to win with a relatively small percentage of the total vote, provided he secures the required spread across the states.

“He doesn’t need to get eight million votes. He could just get 10 votes more, five votes more than every other person. He has a majority,” he said.

Duke described such an outcome as producing a minority government, arguing that an incumbent could return to power without receiving more than half of all votes cast if opposition candidates split the electorate.

His comments came as opposition parties intensified discussions on how to avoid another fragmented presidential contest.

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At the Abuja opposition summit, Duke said he was prepared to sacrifice his own presidential ambition if the participating parties eventually agree on another candidate who is better positioned to defeat Tinubu.

Asked whether he would step aside for another candidate, Duke replied: “Absolutely.”

He said the first requirement was for the opposition to establish a common objective before determining who should lead the presidential campaign.

“Once we have commonality in objective, the next question is who is best suited for this?” he said, stressing the need for a “voice of reason” among the various political interests.

Duke also offered a critical assessment of Tinubu’s performance in office, distinguishing between the President’s political ability and his record in governance.

“Give it to him, he is a formidable politician, my issue with him is governance not politics,” Duke said.

The former Cross River governor argued that Tinubu no longer enjoys the level of public sympathy he had during the 2023 election.

He attributed the change to worsening economic conditions and what he described as growing public disillusionment with the administration.

“Things have gone harder for people, a lot of people are disillusioned by his style of governance, hope has turned into despair,” he said.

Duke argued that while the ruling party may have political structures across the country, voters would ultimately make decisions based on their personal experiences and economic circumstances.

He therefore urged opposition parties to focus on building a credible alternative rather than relying solely on political structures.

The PRP presidential candidate also warned opposition parties against waiting until after the election before responding to possible electoral challenges.

He said political parties should anticipate problems that could arise on election day and develop strategies to mitigate them before voting begins.

“The reality is that things are bound to happen on that day, how to mitigate those things should be the major concern of the opposition,” he said.

Duke added that opposition parties would have themselves to blame if they repeated the mistakes of previous elections.

The Abuja summit had earlier produced proposals aimed at strengthening opposition cooperation, including a Government of National Competence, a proposed single four-year transition term and a roadmap towards selecting a common presidential candidate.

The parties also agreed to establish working groups to develop proposals on opposition unity, political reforms and the process for producing a common candidate.

However, the absence of some of the most prominent opposition figures from the first summit highlights the difficulties that could confront efforts to create a united platform ahead of 2027.

The question of who would eventually emerge as the opposition’s presidential candidate is expected to be particularly contentious, given the presence of several influential politicians with presidential ambitions.

For Duke, however, the overriding objective should be defeating the ruling party, even if that requires individual politicians to step aside.

He maintained that a divided opposition could once again allow Tinubu to benefit from vote splitting and secure another term with a relatively low share of the overall vote.

The emerging opposition coalition will therefore face a major test in the months ahead: whether its leaders can move beyond individual ambitions, agree on a credible common candidate and build an effective electoral structure before the 2027 presidential election.

If they fail to do so, Duke believes the opposition could repeat the experience of 2023 — and hand Tinubu another electoral advantage.

2027: Donald Duke warns divided opposition could hand Tinubu victory