APC Explains Why Betta Edu Joined Tinubu’s 2023 Campaign Council

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has defended the inclusion of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, in the campaign structure for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

According to Ireporter Online, the ruling party maintained that Edu remains eligible to participate in political activities because she has not been convicted of any offence.

The position was disclosed on Monday by APC campaign spokesperson Kemi Asekun-Shittu during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief.

Edu’s inclusion in the campaign council has attracted public attention, particularly because President Tinubu suspended her from office in January 2024 following allegations of financial impropriety. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission subsequently investigated the matter.

Defending the decision, Asekun-Shittu argued that an ongoing investigation does not amount to a conviction and that Edu should not be prevented from participating in politics while the case remains unresolved.

She said the former minister deserved an opportunity to continue her political career, stressing that no court had found her guilty of the allegations against her.

Asekun-Shittu further explained that the campaign council was an internal party structure and that the APC had the authority to select individuals it believed could contribute to its electoral campaign.

She acknowledged concerns surrounding Edu’s appointment but maintained that the party’s decision was based on its assessment of her political usefulness and ability to contribute to the campaign.

Edu was appointed Director of Women Mobilisation in the APC Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 election.

Her name appeared alongside several other prominent government officials, including Nigeria Revenue Service Executive Chairman Zacch Adedeji, Budget Office Director-General Taminu Yakubu and National Identity Management Commission Director-General Bisoye Coker-Odusote.

However, Asekun-Shittu clarified that the campaign council’s list was still undergoing final adjustments and that some names could be removed if they were found to be legally ineligible to participate.

She assured that the APC would comply with relevant laws and regulations, adding that the party would make the necessary changes where required before the campaign structure is finalised.