Why Betta Edu Was Included In 2027 Tinubu Campaign Council – Spokesperson
The All Progressives Congress has defended the inclusion of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, in the campaign council for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, saying she has not been found guilty of any offence.
Edu was suspended by Tinubu in January 2024 following allegations of financial impropriety and was subsequently investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Responding to questions about her inclusion in the campaign structure despite the ongoing EFCC investigation, Asekun-Shittu said it would be unfair to prevent Edu from participating in political activities until the anti-graft agency concludes its investigation.
“I’d like to say that for Betta Edu, for example, she has not been found guilty. And it will be unfair to ask that she leaves her life or refuses to live her life until the EFCC declares her. We believe that there is very likely the issue that she may not be found guilty.
“But besides that, we also know that with politics, every Nigerian is allowed to be a politician if they choose to be. And we do not believe that we should then hold her life still or keep her stagnant until the case is decided. It’s been almost two years of that case.
“She does deserve an opportunity to present herself again for the party,” she said.
The spokesperson was challenged over Edu’s inclusion, given that she was suspended and removed from the Federal Executive Council over allegations relating to public funds.
Asekun-Shittu acknowledged the concerns but argued that the campaign committee was an internal party affair and that the APC could decide who would work for the party.
“I do understand. There is no report. I also need you to see it from this angle. The fact that it’s an internal party affair. If we decide that she’s going to be useful and be able to work on behalf of the party, she does have a right. It’s not a public thing,” she said.
When asked what she meant by the matter being “not a public thing”, the spokesperson was reminded that Edu had been accused of misappropriating public funds while serving as a minister.
She maintained that the matter remained under investigation and that Edu had not been found guilty.
“She was alleged to have misappropriated public funds. That matter is still with the EFCC. It is being handled. She has not been proclaimed guilty and deserves an opportunity to continue to live her life. That is what we are saying,” she said.
Edu was listed as Director of Women Mobilisation in the APC Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 election.
Other names on the list that have attracted attention include the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji; the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Taminu Yakubu; and the Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission, Bisoye Coker-Odusote.
Asekun-Shittu said the campaign committee’s list was not final and could still be reviewed by the party.
“With regards to the other names you have mentioned, the list is not yet final. There is a lot of deliberation still going on. If it is found out that they are not allowed to play in that turf, I believe that the needful will be done,” she said.
She added that the APC would comply with the rule of law and make necessary changes to the list if required.
The spokesperson’s comments came amid reactions to the composition of the 2027 campaign committee, particularly the inclusion of individuals who have faced allegations or currently hold public offices.
Edu has not been publicly declared guilty of any offence in relation to the EFCC investigation.
