Lagos State chapter of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised the composition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Committee, describing the inclusion of some public officials and individuals with unresolved controversies as a “slap in the face of Nigerians.”
The party particularly faulted the inclusion of the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Zacch Adedeji; former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Betta Edu; and Ngozi Olejeme, among others, in the campaign structure.
The Publicity Secretary of the party, Prince Christopher Odianarewo, said the development has raised concerns about the alleged blurring of the distinction between government institutions and partisan political structures.
He argued that the NRS, as a public institution responsible for tax collection, should maintain neutrality and public confidence rather than be perceived as being aligned with a political party.
He asked: “How can the Chief Executive of Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), an agency responsible for collecting taxes from hardworking Nigerians and businesses, openly hobnob with or feature prominently on a partisan campaign council?
“This completely erodes public confidence. It confirms our worst fears, that the lines between the Nigerian state and the APC have been completely blurred, and national institutions are now treated as mere annexes of the ruling party’s secretariat.”
He also accused the APC-led administration of rewarding what it described as failure and impunity, arguing that Nigerians were facing economic hardship while individuals associated with controversies were being given prominent political responsibilities.
He said: “Lagosians are currently groaning under the unbearable weight of hyperinflation, crippling taxation, and anti-people economic policies superintended by this administration.
“Yet, rather than show remorse or provide relief, the APC is proudly showcasing individuals whose stewardship has been mired in questions of transparency, accountability, and policy failures.”
The opposition party further accused the APC of hypocrisy in its anti-corruption campaign, alleging that accountability had become selective under the administration.
He said the inclusion of individuals facing financial controversies in the campaign structure “exposes the hollow and hypocritical nature of the APC’s anti-corruption crusade.”
The PDP said: “When individuals accused of monumental financial improprieties find safe haven and prominent placement in the inner caucus of the ruling party’s campaign structure, it becomes clear that the fight against corruption was nothing more than a political slogan used to hoodwink the electorate.”
The party called on Nigerians, civil society organisations and voters to reject what it described as an attempt to mock the intelligence of the electorate.
It added that Lagosians were politically sophisticated enough to scrutinise the records of those seeking their support ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Lagos State is the economic heartbeat of Nigeria, and Lagosians are too politically sophisticated to be taken for a ride. We see through the grandstanding and the empty promises,” the statement said.
The Lagos PDP further claimed that the APC had “nothing new to offer” Nigerians, alleging that the ruling party was recycling policies and political actors responsible for the country’s economic difficulties.
The party declared the PDP as “the only credible, disciplined, and people-oriented alternative” capable of rescuing Lagos State and Nigeria from what it described as “rudderless leadership.”