President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of Zacch Adedeji, chairman of the Nigerian Revenue Service, as deputy director for fundraising for his 2027 campaign has sparked reactions on social media, with many alleging their taxes will be diverted to fund the president’s reelection bid.
Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Saturday, announced the appointment of Mr Adedeji, among others, as “deputy director fundraising” for the reelection of Mr Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Reacting to Mr Adedeji’s appointment on X, Morris Monye said, “Most likely using our taxes to fund APC’s campaign. Because what is this appointment?”
An X user, @AYNgida, said, “Our taxes are going to fund his reelection. These are the signals the party sends, and you want people to have faith in the system; you think they are fixing the system for our kids and the next generation? They are fixing their kids.”
Another X user, @_yang_El said, “The head of Nigeria’s tax collection agency being a member of a political party’s fundraising committee is so wrong, honestly. By this office he is holding, he is automatically a public servant and in the Public Service Rules (PSR). Civil servants are meant to be non-partisan when it comes to politics.
“You either be a government worker or go work for the Political Party. The Tulumbu govt are destroying every institution, making a total mess of Nigeria’s laws and constitution.”
Kalu Aja, another social media commentator, said, “How can the head of tax collection be a member of a political party’s fundraising committee? If the head of the NRS has so much free time on his hands, perhaps he should take a sabbatical and then work for that political party. You are destroying institutions in the name of politics.”
@Teezust said, “Why is the chairman of the highest revenue-generating agency (NRS) be part of a presidential campaign team? It means taxpayers’ money will never be safe. We are doomed.”
Another X user, @Nedy_Dopey said, “Our tax Czar is in the fundraising team of Baba Seyi’s reelection campaign. No regard for the optics, what people will infer or conclude. Nothing! Just pure vibes and cruise. Isn’t it amazing?”
“This raises ethical issues, and the tendency to divert public resources for a particular political party’s campaign is manifest. A line must be drawn between partisanship and etiquette of public service. This is clearly an abuse of office, and Zack must choose one between the two and let go of the other,” @MohdHAbdullahi said.
Earlier on Saturday, the Peoples Gazette reported that Mr Adedeji was appointed deputy director for fundraising for Mr Tinubu’s campaign council.