APC Defends Betta Edu’s Role in Tinubu Campaign Council, Cites Presumption of Innocence

The All Progressives Congress has defended the inclusion of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, in President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 Presidential Campaign Council, arguing that she remains entitled to participate in political activities because she has not been convicted of any offence.

Kemi Asekun-Shittu, one of the spokespersons for the campaign committee, stated on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Monday that it would be fundamentally unjust to prevent Edu from living her life and contributing to the party while an investigation into her conduct remains unresolved.

“She has not been found guilty. And it would be unfair to ask her to leave her life or refuse to live until the EFCC declares her,” Asekun-Shittu said, adding that the case had already dragged on for nearly two years.

The APC spokesperson further emphasised that the campaign structure is an internal party affair and that the ruling party is entitled to determine who it considers capable of contributing to its electoral campaign.

“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.

Edu was suspended from the Federal Executive Council in January 2024 by President Tinubu following allegations of financial impropriety, including a memo requesting the transfer of N585 million into a private account.

The EFCC subsequently investigated the ministry, recovering N30 billion and flagging 50 bank accounts for examination. However, Edu has not been publicly declared guilty of any offence and was listed as Director of Women Mobilisation in the campaign council.

Asekun-Shittu acknowledged ongoing deliberation on the final list, stating that the campaign council was still being finalised and that the party could make changes where necessary.

“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.

The appointment has drawn criticism from opposition parties and social commentators.

The African Democratic Congress described the campaign council as a “rehabilitation system” for individuals facing unresolved questions over corruption and public accountability.

Social commentator Mahdi Shehu also questioned the decision, arguing that Edu’s inclusion raised concerns about the standard being applied in selecting members of the council.

Edu’s appointment draws on her history as a prominent APC mobiliser, having previously served as National Woman Leader of the party, where she played a significant role in the 2023 election campaign.

For Edu, the appointment marks a significant political comeback after her removal from the federal cabinet and subsequent EFCC investigation, reviving scrutiny of the unresolved allegations.