A prominent Nigerian diaspora voice has called for comprehensive investigations into corruption allegations against Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo before he pursues higher political office, including a rumoured Senate bid in 2027 and governorship race in 2029.
The demand comes from Abanikanda Olumoro, writing from the United Kingdom, who argues that the All Progressives Congress (APC) should not field any candidate with unresolved corruption allegations in the upcoming elections.
Key Allegations Requiring Investigation
The call for investigation centres on three major areas of concern:
NDDC Committee Controversy: Questions remain about Tunji-Ojo’s role as former Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), particularly the infamous “Honourable Minister Please Off Your Mic” incident when he allegedly shut down a minister exposing corruption in the commission.
Beta Edu Scandal: The minister faces allegations related to the Beta Edu humanitarian funds controversy, where he is accused of awarding contracts to companies connected to him and his wife, involving hundreds of millions of naira.
Recruitment Irregularities: Concerns have been raised about the recruitment processes in agencies under his ministry – the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) – with allegations that normal procedures have been bypassed.
The article specifically targets Tunji-Ojo’s reported political ambitions in Ondo State, where he is believed to be eyeing the Ondo North senatorial seat in 2027 and potentially the governorship in 2029.
“He should not be allowed anywhere near contesting for either of the two important political offices he seeks,” Olumoro wrote, calling on President Bola Tinubu to ensure proper investigations are conducted.
The writer, representing diaspora Nigerians with traditional ties to Ondo and Ekiti states, warned that fielding candidates with unresolved allegations could cost the APC electoral success and damage Nigeria’s democratic credibility.
The demand emphasises that this is “not an outright conviction” of Tunji-Ojo but a serious call for transparency and accountability in Nigerian politics.
“Until he submits himself to transparent, credible investigation and clears his name, he should have no place in the race for Senate or governorship in Ondo State,” the article states.
The call comes following an international anti-corruption conference organised by the University of Lagos Faculty of Social Sciences in collaboration with Pan-Africana Strategic Group (PANAFSTRAG) and Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) on September 18, 2025.
The conference highlighted corruption as a major impediment to Nigeria’s progress, affecting politics, governance, and public institutions across the country.
The diaspora voice warned that failure to address these concerns could have severe consequences for the ruling party.
“If the APC fails to enforce this standard of integrity, the consequences will be grave, unpredictable, and damaging — not only for the party but for Nigeria’s fragile democracy,” the article concluded.
The Interior Ministry has not yet responded to requests for comment on these allegations.
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