Tinubu Appoints Sacked Minister to 2027 Campaign Role

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Betta Edu, the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, to lead women’s mobilisation for his 2027 re-election campaign. The move brings renewed attention to her suspension in 2024 over corruption allegations and an ongoing investigation by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Edu was dismissed from her cabinet post in January 2024 after being accused of directing public funds into a private bank account. The EFCC has since been probing the case. Her new role in the presidential campaign has drawn sharp criticism from opposition figures, who question the decision to place a minister under investigation at the centre of political operations. The appointment was confirmed in a statement from the campaign organisation. Neither the presidency nor Edu has commented on the backlash. The campaign is set to begin full operations in the coming weeks, with Edu expected to coordinate women’s groups across the country.