Former Kogi State senator and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Dino Melaye, has described President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 Presidential Campaign Council as “ridiculous and unacceptable,” vowing to challenge some of its appointments in court.
Melaye particularly faulted the appointment of Zacch Adedeji, Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), as Deputy Director of Fundraising for Tinubu’s re-election campaign.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Monday, Melaye argued that Adedeji’s simultaneous roles as a public revenue official and campaign fundraiser created a conflict of interest.
He maintained that the laws establishing the NRS and public service rules prevent Adedeji from holding both positions, adding that he would seek judicial interpretation of the matter.
According to Melaye, the arrangement raised legal and ethical concerns because Adedeji is responsible for raising revenue for the Federal Government while also being assigned to mobilise funds for the President’s re-election campaign.
“Nigeria is not a banana republic,” Melaye said, insisting that the matter must be tested against the rule of law.
Melaye also questioned Tinubu’s decision to serve as chairman of his own presidential campaign council, arguing that a candidate should not simultaneously oversee the body campaigning for his re-election.
“There is a general saying that you cannot be a judge in your own case. How can you be a candidate in an election and also be the chairman of the campaign council for that election?” he asked.
Melaye said he would proceed with legal action even if some names were removed from a revised campaign council list.
He further warned that the opposition would closely monitor the 2027 election for alleged irregularities and malpractice, saying they would “follow the president and the APC bumper to bumper.”
About the Author
