Hassan’s remarks raise questions about ministerial appointments, public spending and accountability ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.

Nigeria Politics - October 24, 2026

Alwan Hassan, a spokesperson for the All-Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, has alleged that some ministers pay billions of naira to secure appointments and subsequently seek to recover their money after assuming public office.

Hassan made the allegation during an interview on Arise Television on Thursday, October 22, while defending President Bola Tinubu’s direct involvement in managing government revenue and expenditure.

His comments have drawn attention to the integrity of public appointments, the management of government resources and the responsibilities of political officeholders ahead of the 2027 general election.

According to reports by Punch Newspapers and TheCable, Hassan argued that some individuals approach ministerial appointments as financial investments, creating incentives to recoup their alleged expenditure rather than prioritise public service.

Hassan Defends Tinubu’s Control of Government Spending

During the interview, Hassan praised Tinubu for personally overseeing government expenditure, arguing that the President’s involvement had helped address challenges associated with the management of public funds.

He questioned whether ministers should have full responsibility for implementing budgets, given his concerns about corruption among public officials.

Hassan said some ministers allegedly paid substantial sums to obtain appointments and subsequently focused on recovering their investments.

He also claimed that the problem was not restricted to the APC administration, arguing that it had persisted across successive governments.

However, Hassan did not identify any minister allegedly involved in the practice, name anyone who supposedly received the money or provide documentary evidence supporting his claims during the reported interview.

The allegations therefore remain unsubstantiated and should not be interpreted as proof that any particular minister purchased a public appointment.

Why Hassan’s Allegations Matter

Ministerial appointments carry significant public responsibilities, including implementing government policies, supervising ministries and managing resources allocated to public programmes.

If appointments were obtained through financial inducements, such a practice would raise serious questions about transparency, political patronage and the integrity of public administration.

It would also raise concerns about whether individuals seeking public office were motivated by a commitment to service or by the prospect of recovering money allegedly spent to secure their positions.

Nevertheless, establishing whether such payments occurred would require credible evidence, including information about the alleged transactions, the individuals involved and any intermediaries.

Hassan’s remarks have placed these questions in the public domain, but the allegations alone do not establish that the alleged transactions took place.

Tinubu’s Administration and the Debate Over Budget Implementation

Hassan’s defence of Tinubu also touched on wider concerns about government spending, budget implementation and the delivery of public services.

Nigeria’s federal budget provides the framework for government expenditure, while the release of funds and the execution of approved projects determine how far those allocations translate into practical benefits for citizens.

During the interview, Hassan questioned the extent to which ministers should control budget implementation and maintained that Tinubu’s direct oversight had helped the administration manage public resources.

He also cited government initiatives involving pension payments, electricity metering and technology as examples of the administration’s achievements.

However, the effectiveness of public spending is best assessed through verifiable budget releases, completed projects, service delivery outcomes and independent oversight rather than political claims alone.

The question of whether government expenditure is adequately funded and efficiently managed remains distinct from Hassan’s allegation that some ministers pay to secure their appointments.

Political Implications Ahead of 2027

The comments come as political parties prepare for the 2027 presidential election, with the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, governance record and management of public funds likely to remain subjects of public debate.

As a spokesperson for the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Hassan’s remarks are particularly significant because they concern the conduct of public officials within Nigeria’s broader political system.

His assertion that the alleged practice predates the APC administration does not, however, establish that the current administration or any named minister is involved.

The claims could prompt calls for clarification from the APC, the Presidency and relevant anti-corruption agencies.

Any credible investigation would need to establish who allegedly made the payments, who received them, how the transactions occurred and whether there is sufficient evidence of wrongdoing.

As of the reports cited here, Hassan had not publicly identified the ministers he was referring to or supplied evidence substantiating the allegation.

What Nigerians Should Watch For

The central issue is whether Hassan’s remarks will be followed by verifiable information capable of establishing the truth of his claims.

Several questions remain important:

• Which ministers, if any, allegedly paid billions of naira to obtain appointments?
• Who allegedly received the money, and through what process?
• What evidence supports the claims?
• Will the APC Presidential Campaign Council or the Presidency clarify its position on the remarks?
• Will any competent authority examine the allegations and determine whether further action is warranted?

These questions matter because public appointments are governed by constitutional procedures and should serve the public interest.

Under Section 147 of Nigeria’s Constitution, ministers are appointed by the President, subject to the constitutionally prescribed process, including Senate confirmation. Allegations of improper payments connected to public office would require examination under the applicable law and on the basis of evidence.

For now, Hassan’s statements remain allegations, not established findings of wrongdoing. Their significance will depend on whether further evidence emerges and whether the relevant authorities or political institutions respond.

Sources: Punch Newspapers and TheCable.

Note: Allegations that billions of naira may have changed hands to secure ministerial appointments raise serious questions about public accountability. Nigerians deserve evidence-based answers, transparent appointment processes and credible investigations wherever sufficient grounds exist. Neither political affiliation nor public position should place anyone beyond scrutiny.

Editorial note: This report attributes the allegations to Alwan Hassan and does not present them as proven facts.