APC Spokesman: Ministers Allegedly Pay Billions for Appointments

What if securing a ministerial appointment were treated as an investment to be recovered rather than an opportunity to serve the public?

That question emerged after Alwan Hassan, a spokesperson for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, alleged that some ministers pay billions of naira to secure government appointments and then seek to recover the money after taking office.

Hassan made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television's Prime Time programme on Thursday, October 22, 2026, while defending President Bola Tinubu's direct involvement in government spending.

According to reports published on October 23, Hassan argued that some individuals enter public office expecting to recoup the money they allegedly spent securing their positions. However, he did not name the ministers involved or identify anyone who allegedly received the payments.

Hassan said some ministers allegedly pay enormous sums to obtain appointments and then focus on recovering their financial outlay.

He stated that the alleged practice was not limited to the APC administration, arguing that corruption involving ministers had occurred under successive governments.

His comments came during a discussion about government revenue, expenditure and the challenges of funding approved budgets.

Hassan praised Tinubu's hands-on approach to spending decisions, arguing that the President's direct oversight helped control how public funds were managed. He also questioned whether ministers needed substantial discretion over budget implementation.

The remarks, however, raise an important distinction: Hassan's allegation about payments for appointments is a claim that requires evidence, not proof that any particular minister engaged in corruption.

He also did not publicly identify a specific minister who allegedly made a payment or provide documentary evidence supporting the claim.

Without those details, Nigerians cannot independently determine the scale of the alleged practice, who might be involved or whether the allegation applies to any serving minister.

The appropriate next step would be for anyone with credible evidence to provide it to the relevant investigative authorities.

Why would alleged payments for appointments matter?

A ministerial appointment is a public responsibility. Ministers are expected to oversee government portfolios, implement policies and manage public resources within the law.

If an individual paid money to obtain public office and subsequently used that office to recover the payment through corrupt practices, the consequences could extend beyond the individual.

Public funds could be misused, procurement decisions could be distorted, and government programmes could become less effective. Ultimately, citizens could bear the cost through weaker public services or the loss of resources intended for national development.

These are potential consequences of the conduct described in Hassan's allegation—not established findings against any named minister.

The controversy raises questions about accountability

The interview also created a tension within the political discussion.

Hassan was defending the Tinubu administration's management of public expenditure while making a broad allegation about the way some ministers allegedly secure appointments.

The question is whether such a serious claim can be substantiated.

If credible evidence exists, it would be important to establish who paid, who received the money, when the transactions occurred and whether any laws were violated.

If the claim cannot be supported, the public deserves a clear explanation of its basis.

Public accusations of corruption should be examined carefully, regardless of the political party or administration involved.

 Is public office a responsibility or an investment?

Hassan's comments have brought attention to a wider governance question: what safeguards prevent money from improperly influencing public appointments?

Transparent appointment procedures, clear ethical standards, effective financial oversight and credible investigations can help protect public institutions from undue influence.

Who allegedly receives billions of naira for ministerial appointments, and what evidence can establish whether such payments actually occur?

That is the question requiring answers.

#JaiyeWhyItMatters