Outcry Over Adedeji’s Role As Tinubu 2027 Campaign Fundraiser While Heading Nigeria Revenue Service

Controversy has erupted over the appointment of *Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) Chairman, Zacch Adedeji*, as Deputy Director of Fundraising in *President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 APC Presidential Campaign Council*.

Opposition figures and public commentators have questioned the propriety of a serving revenue chief holding a key fundraising role in a partisan campaign.

*Former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye*, an ADC chieftain, has threatened to challenge the appointment in court.

In a video posted on his official X account on Sunday, Melaye said he would approach the court on Monday to test the legality of Adedeji’s dual role.

_“As a lawyer, by the grace of God, on Monday, I’m going to court. We have to test that,”_ he said.

_“And you are serving as the country’s Chairman of Nigeria Revenue Service, formerly FIRS. Is there no conflict in this?”_

Melaye argued that as a public servant, Adedeji is bound by Public Service Rules and ethics.

_“If that is not conflict of interest, I don’t know what else it would be,”_ he added.

The criticism has resonated widely on social media.

*Business commentator Morris Monye* asked if the arrangement could lead to taxpayers’ money being used to finance the APC campaign.

*Financial analyst Kalu Aja* said Adedeji should proceed on leave if he wants to work for a political organisation, warning that the current setup risks undermining public institutions.

Another user, *@MohdHAbdullahi*, described it as an ethical concern, saying _“a line should be drawn between partisan political activity and public service responsibilities.”_

The controversy comes amid broader criticism of the APC 2027 Campaign Council announced on Saturday.

The *ADC* described the council as a _“rehabilitation system”_ for officials facing unresolved accountability questions. It specifically queried the inclusion of *former Humanitarian Affairs Minister Betta Edu* and *former NSITF Chairman Ngozi Olejeme*, demanding clarification on their cases.

The *APM* called the council an _“assembly of disconnected yes men and discredited politicians.”_

APM National Publicity Secretary, *Abubakar Yusuf*, said:

_“If after three and half years in power, President Tinubu could not assemble a credible team, then it is clear that he has no business being in charge of a nation as complex as Nigeria.”_

The APC named *Tinubu as Chairman*, *VP Kashim Shettima as Vice Chairman I*, and *APC Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda as Vice Chairman II*.

*Former Zamfara Gov. Abdulaziz Yari* is DG, while *Imo Gov. Hope Uzodimma* is Secretary.

*Ogun Gov. Dapo Abiodun* was named Director of Fundraising, with *Adedeji* as Deputy Director.

The council will coordinate the ruling party’s campaign ahead of 2027.

But the decision to place the head of the country’s revenue agency in its fundraising structure has become one of the first major flashpoints for the opposition ahead of the election.

Melaye vowed: _“We will make sure that, by the special grace of God, the battle to stop Tinubu is a battle of no retreat, no surrender.”_