A spokesperson for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, Alwan Hassan has alleged that some ministers pay billions of naira to secure appointments and later seek to recover the money after assuming office.

Hassan made the allegation during an interview on Arise News on Thursday, claiming that the practice predates the APC administration and contributes to corruption in government.

“A lot of ministers pay billions to be appointed, and the first thing they think of is how to recoup that money after being appointed,” he said.

He added that the problem was not limited to ministers serving under the ruling party.

“It is the truth about our country and not just APC ministers; it started before the APC,” Hassan said.

He further described ministers as prominent figures in corruption cases involving public officials after successive administrations leave office.

“The biggest fraudulent people you arrest after every government are ministers,” he said.

Hassan, however, did not name any minister allegedly involved in the practice or provide evidence to substantiate the claim.

Questions Ministers’ Role In Budget Implementation

The APC campaign spokesman also questioned the role of ministers in implementing government budgets, arguing that the priority should be ensuring approved funds are used effectively.

“Why do we need ministers? Why do we need budget to be given to ministers?” he asked.

His comments came during a broader discussion on government spending, public-sector management and the Tinubu administration’s performance.

Defends Tinubu’s Power Sector Record

Hassan defended President Bola Tinubu’s handling of the power sector, claiming that the administration had taken steps to address longstanding electricity challenges.

He said Tinubu had approved more than ₦4tn for electricity meters, arguing that expanding household metering was essential to improving electricity supply.

“There is no way you fix power issue without having every household powered,” he said.

Hassan also pointed to the introduction of financing support through Credicorp, which he said was intended to help civil servants acquire solar power systems.

“That is why he introduced Credicorp for civil servants to buy their own solar system,” he said.

Predicts Tinubu’s Support In Northern States

Speaking ahead of the 2027 general election, Hassan expressed confidence that Tinubu’s projects in northern Nigeria would help strengthen his support in states where he lost in the 2023 presidential election, including Kano and Bauchi.

“In 2023, Asiwaju was a candidate and not the president. He’s done a lot in places like Kano and done a lot of streets in the North that will translate to votes,” he said.

He also cited the renovation of 287 primary schools and more than 4,000 classrooms through the Universal Basic Education Commission as examples of the administration’s achievements.

Hassan’s remarks come as the APC prepares to campaign for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.