By Peace Erewunmi

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has defended the inclusion of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, in President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 Presidential Campaign Council.

The party said Edu was included because she has not been found guilty of any offence despite the ongoing investigation into allegations of financial impropriety against her.

One of the spokespersons for the campaign council, Kemi Asekun-Shittu, stated that it would be unfair to prevent Edu from participating in political activities while the investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) remains unresolved.

According to her, every Nigerian has the right to participate in politics, and Edu should not be prevented from continuing her political activities without a finding of guilt.

Asekun-Shittu also maintained that the composition of the campaign council was an internal party matter, adding that the APC had the right to determine who it considered capable of working for the party.

Edu was suspended as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in January 2024 following allegations of financial impropriety, after which an investigation was launched into the affairs of the ministry.

Her inclusion in the 2027 campaign council has, however, generated public debate due to the unresolved nature of the investigation.

Edu was appointed Director of Women Mobilisation in the APC Presidential Campaign Council for President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

The APC spokesperson said the campaign council’s list was not final and could still be reviewed by the party as preparations continue ahead of the 2027 general election.

The controversy has continued to raise questions about political accountability and whether public officials facing unresolved investigations should be given prominent roles within political campaign structures.