By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 Presidential Campaign Council of becoming a “rehabilitation centre” for officials facing corruption allegations, while defending its proposal for a targeted fuel subsidy to ease hardship across Nigeria.
ADC Defends Targeted Fuel Subsidy
The opposition party said Nigeria could afford to support struggling families through a carefully controlled subsidy programme.
The ADC said the government’s criticism of its proposal ignored its own spending priorities.
According to the party, every naira spent on subsidies must remain traceable.
It also demanded accountability for every barrel of crude oil produced and allocated.
“Our proposal is straightforward: every naira must be traceable and every barrel accounted for,” the party said.
The ADC also criticised what it described as wasteful government spending.
It argued that the government should explain the cost of its policies before rejecting subsidy support.
Party Accuses Government of Wasteful Spending
The opposition party claimed the government has continued to waste public resources.
It said such spending undermines arguments that Nigeria cannot support poor citizens.
The ADC also criticised policies that, according to it, encourage financial recklessness among public officials.
The party maintained that targeted subsidies could reduce fuel prices and lower living costs.
“We have observed the flurry of government-sponsored attacks on our proposal,” the ADC said.
The party said its proposal would remain targeted, capped, budgeted and independently audited.
ADC Questions APC Campaign Council Membership
The ADC also raised concerns about members of Tinubu’s 2027 Presidential Campaign Council.
In particular, it questioned the inclusion of former Humanitarian Affairs Minister Betta Edu.
Edu was suspended by President Tinubu following controversy over an attempted N585 million transfer.
The party also mentioned former NSITF Chairman Ngozi Olejeme.
Olejeme has faced EFCC prosecution over alleged financial misconduct.
The ADC questioned the status of the cases involving both former officials.
“If they have been cleared, the government should show how, when and by whom,” the party said.
The opposition party also demanded transparency over any decision that cleared the individuals.
ADC Demands Answers Over Corruption Cases
The ADC alleged that investigations into financial crimes sometimes disappear under the current administration.
It claimed some accused individuals later return to public prominence despite unresolved allegations.
The party therefore challenged the government to explain the circumstances surrounding the appointments.
It also questioned whether the appointments amounted to political rehabilitation.
The ADC said Nigerians deserve clarity about the status of every outstanding corruption case.
2027 Election Will Test Tinubu’s Performance
The opposition party further dismissed the idea that campaign activities could erase Nigeria’s economic challenges.
It said the APC Presidential Campaign Council could not “campaign away” the cost-of-living crisis.
The ADC also linked the crisis to what it described as poor government policies.
According to the party, the 2027 general election will serve as a referendum on Tinubu’s performance.
The ADC said voters will ultimately judge the administration based on its record over three years.
ADC Questions Campaign Council’s Credibility
In a statement, ADC National Publicity Secretary Malam Bolaji Abdullahi questioned the credibility of some campaign council members.
He specifically highlighted the inclusion of Edu and Olejeme.
Abdullahi demanded that the government clarify whether their outstanding cases had been resolved.
He also questioned whether the appointments represented an attempt to pardon officials accused of corruption.
The ADC maintained that accountability must remain central to Nigeria’s political process.
It further urged the government to explain its decisions before the 2027 election campaign gathers momentum.
