The All Progressives Congress (APC) has justified the decision to appoint former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, to its 2027 presidential campaign structure, insisting that she remains innocent unless proven otherwise.
Edu was named Director of Women Mobilisation in the campaign council for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, despite her suspension from office in January 2024 over allegations of financial misconduct.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Monday, one of the campaign committee’s spokespersons, Kemi Asekun-Shittu, said the former minister should not be excluded from political activities simply because an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is still ongoing.
“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.
Edu was removed from the Federal Executive Council after allegations emerged concerning the handling of public funds. Her case was subsequently taken up by the EFCC.
Asked why the APC would give her a prominent role while the investigation remains unresolved, Asekun-Shittu said the campaign council was a party structure rather than a government body.
“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.
Pressed on the meaning of “not a public thing”, particularly because the allegations relate to public funds, she reiterated that the investigation had not resulted in a conviction.
“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 is not the only controversial figure whose inclusion in the campaign structure has generated discussion.
Among those listed are Nigeria Revenue Service Executive Chairman Zacch Adedeji, Budget Office of the Federation Director-General Taminu Yakubu and National Identity Management Commission Director-General Bisoye Coker-Odusote.
Asekun-Shittu, however, stressed that the list was still being reviewed and could change before the final campaign structure is unveiled.
“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 said the APC would respect the law and make any adjustments considered necessary.
The controversy surrounding Edu’s appointment comes as the ruling party prepares its machinery for the 2027 presidential election. While critics have questioned the decision to include people facing allegations or occupying public positions in the campaign structure, the APC maintains that an allegation or ongoing investigation does not amount to a finding of guilt.
Edu has not been publicly declared guilty of any offence arising from the EFCC investigation.
