APC campaign council: Reps slam inclusion of defence minister, budget office DG

A coalition of House of Representatives members in Nigeria's 10th National Assembly has voiced their worries about the inclusion of key government officials in the APC Presidential Campaign Council. Known as the Save Democracy Group, these lawmakers argue that the composition of the council creates a troubling appearance of government agencies being integrated into a political party's activities.

The group recognizes the right for political parties and citizens to engage in political affairs, but insists that there must be a clear separation between the government and political party. They express particular concern over the involvement of the Minister of Defence, Gen Chris Musa, and the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Tanimu Yakubu Kurfi.

These two officials hold positions directly responsible for the nation's defense and financial wellbeing. By having them serve in the campaign structure, the group argues that it appears the military is being politicized. The group questions whether defence officials should simultaneously hold senior roles in a political campaign, as this creates "an obvious institutional conflict" and raises concerns about the military's perceived neutrality.

The group also raises concerns over the inclusion of Zacheus Adedeji, the Chairman of the National Revenue Service. The group demands that the President and Defense Ministers ensure that partisan political activities do not compromise the professionalism and neutrality of the Nigerian Armed Forces.