By George Omagbemi
Nigerians have expressed mixed reactions following the inclusion of former Taraba State Governor Jolly Nyame and former Plateau State Governor Joshua Dariye in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 Presidential Campaign Council.
The two former governors were listed under the council’s Contact Mobilisation directorate in the campaign structure announced by the Presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Their inclusion has attracted criticism because both men were previously convicted of corruption-related offences involving public funds. Nyame was convicted over the misappropriation of about ₦1.6 billion belonging to Taraba State, while Dariye was convicted over the diversion of approximately ₦1.16 billion in Plateau State. Both were sentenced to prison before receiving presidential pardons in 2022.
Critics have questioned the political message conveyed by giving prominent campaign responsibilities to politicians with such convictions, arguing that it could undermine efforts to strengthen public accountability and the fight against corruption.
Some Nigerians have described the appointments as evidence of what they see as political rehabilitation, while others argue that the two men have served their sentences and received presidential pardons, meaning they are legally entitled to participate in political activities.
The controversy has consequently reopened debate over whether legal eligibility should be the only consideration for political appointments, or whether parties should also consider the ethical and public-confidence implications of selecting individuals previously convicted of corruption.
The APC has not, in the reports reviewed, indicated that the inclusion of Nyame and Dariye amounts to an endorsement of their past conduct.
The development comes as the APC begins preparations for the 2027 presidential election, with former Zamfara Governor Abdulaziz Yari appointed Director-General of the campaign council and Governor Hope Uzodimma named secretary.
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