2027: Corruption May Be Requirement For Tinubu Appointments, Ex-Buhari Minister Alleges

Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, has alleged that corruption may be among the factors considered when securing appointments under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Dalung made the claim while reacting to the composition of Tinubu’s 2027 Presidential Campaign Council during an appearance on a live television programme on Tuesday.

President Tinubu recently unveiled members of his campaign council ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with former Zamfara State Governor, Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari, appointed as Director-General.

Reacting to the development, Dalung, who served as a minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari, expressed concerns about the credibility of some individuals included in the campaign structure.

He alleged that the presence of people who have faced corruption-related allegations in the campaign council raised questions about what Nigerians should expect if Tinubu secures another term in office.

According to the former minister, the credibility of any electoral transition process depends largely on the quality and integrity of individuals selected to represent and promote political candidates.

Dalung argued that the 2027 political process had effectively begun with the completion of nominations and the commencement of campaign activities, making the composition of campaign teams a matter of public interest.

He particularly questioned the inclusion of Yari, alleging that the former governor had previously been involved in cases involving forfeiture of properties or funds to the Federal Government.

Dalung also mentioned former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, and former Director-General of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, Ngozi Olejeme, while raising concerns about individuals who have faced corruption-related controversies.

He maintained that the calibre of people surrounding political candidates could have significant implications for governance and accountability if those candidates eventually secure electoral victory.

Dalung’s comments have added to the growing political debate surrounding the composition of Tinubu’s 2027 campaign structure, with the credibility and track records of members likely to remain a major issue as political activities intensify ahead of the election.