Former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, has accused President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress, APC, of desperation over the appointment of the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, NRS, Zacch Adedeji, as Deputy Director of Fundraising for the President’s 2027 campaign.
Melaye made the allegation during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Monday, maintaining that he would challenge the appointment in court.
According to the former lawmaker, Adedeji’s position as NRS chairman, which was confirmed by the Senate, requires him to comply with existing laws and public service regulations.
“Zacch Adedeji cannot be the chairman of the NRS and, at the same time, be a fundraiser for the presidential campaign of a sitting President.
“There is a conflict of interest, and we want to test it in a court of law to show and expose the desperation of the APC and President Bola Tinubu.
“The ‘I don’t care’ attitude of the President and that of the APC is very ridiculous and unacceptable. Nigeria is not a banana republic, and this is now giving us an indication that it is the reason Adedeji was even appointed chairman in the first place.
“The intention of the President is to appoint him as chairman of the NRS so that he can then provide funds for his re-election. Not only that, even the Group Managing Director of the NNPC’s name is also there. This is just laughable.
“These people are not serious. These people are corrupt. These people are desperate. There was a country. They’ve turned this country completely upside down. But we will not allow it.
“And I know because I cried out, in a quick turnaround, I heard that the President has suspended the list, pretending, lying and deceiving Nigerians that there are some names missing from the list. We know it is because of our outcry,” Melaye said.
Melaye argued that the appointment raises questions about the separation between public responsibilities and partisan political activities, particularly as the 2027 presidential election approaches.
He further criticised the reported inclusion of the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPC, in the campaign structure, describing the development as unacceptable.
The former senator said he remained prepared to seek judicial interpretation of the matter, insisting that public officials must operate within the boundaries of the law.
The controversy comes as political parties intensify preparations and fundraising activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
