Alwan Hassan, a spokesperson for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, has alleged that some ministers pay billions of naira to secure government appointments and then focus on recovering the money after assuming office.
Hassan made the claim during an interview on Arise News on Thursday, October 22, 2026, while discussing President Bola Tinubu’s administration, public spending and the APC’s preparations for the 2027 general election.
According to him, the alleged practice encourages corruption because some appointees may see public office as an investment from which they expect financial returns.
“A lot of ministers pay billions and billions, and you know, to get themselves appointed, the first thing they think of is how to recoup that money,” Hassan said.
He maintained that the alleged practice was not limited to ministers serving under the APC, arguing that it had existed before the party came to power.
“It is the truth about our country, not just APC, before APC,” he said.
The APC spokesperson also criticised the conduct of some public officials, arguing that ministers have frequently faced corruption allegations or investigations after leaving office.
His comments came during a broader discussion about the management of government revenue, budget implementation and the performance of the Tinubu administration.
Hassan defended the President’s approach to public expenditure, describing Tinubu as closely involved in decisions concerning government revenue and spending.
He argued that tighter control over the release of funds was intended to prevent the misuse of public resources.
However, he did not identify any minister who allegedly paid money to secure an appointment, name anyone who supposedly received such payments or present documentary evidence to substantiate the claim during the interview.
The allegation therefore remains unverified and should not be treated as proof that any particular minister bought an appointment or engaged in corruption.
Despite his criticism of the alleged appointment practice, Hassan defended Tinubu’s administration ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
He cited government initiatives in education, electricity, technology and pension payments as areas he believes could strengthen the APC’s appeal to voters.
Hassan also highlighted efforts to renovate public schools, improve classroom facilities and expand access to electricity metering.
He expressed confidence that the administration’s record would help the party compete in states where Tinubu lost during the 2023 presidential election.
The interview comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections, with governance, economic conditions, public spending and accountability expected to feature prominently in political debates.
Hassan’s remarks have raised questions about the integrity of political appointments and the safeguards in place to prevent the use of public office for personal financial gain.
Whether his allegation will prompt an official response or an investigation remains unclear. No specific minister was named in the reported interview.