South-West Forum Defends Adedeji's Campaign Role Legality

The South-West Unity Forum has defended Dr Zacch Adedeji, the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), regarding his appointment as Deputy Director of Fundraising in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's 2027 Presidential Campaign Council. This defense comes after objections from former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye and vice-presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who questioned the legality of Adedeji's involvement in partisan political activities.

Adedeji was appointed under Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who serves as Director of Fundraising. The forum, through its General Secretary Dr Rasheed Oyebisi, argued that Adedeji's statutory executive position does not extinguish his political rights, referencing the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Act, 2025.

They emphasized that unless a specific law prohibits his participation, his appointment cannot be deemed illegal. The forum acknowledged the need for Adedeji to separate his official duties from campaign activities and urged Melaye to seek legal recourse if he believes a law has been breached.