A financial scandal has rocked the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State, with allegations that funds from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), allocated for educational development, have been misappropriated to finance party activities.
This revelation has drawn attention to comments made by UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, who criticized Nigeria’s political system. “I grew up in Nigeria and saw firsthand what happens when politicians are in it for themselves, using public money as their private piggy banks,” Badenoch said. “I came to Britain to build a life where hard work and honest endeavour lead to success.” However, Shettima accused Badenoch of unfairly disparaging Nigeria. However, Badenoch remained steadfast, defending her perspective and refusing to retract her statements.
According to the petition circulating on social media accuses the APC State Working Committee of receiving ₦325 million from TETFUND, funneled into individual accounts rather than used for legitimate party functions from October 2023 to October 2024.
Key Allegations
Mrs. Patricia Yakubu, the APC Women Leader in Adamawa, submitted a petition to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, alleging gross financial mismanagement and embezzlement by senior party officials. According to Yakubu:
Funds allocated for daily party operations were diverted into personal accounts.
Contracts awarded by TETFUND to educational institutions, such as the Federal College of Education (FCE) Yola and Gombe Medical College (GMMC), were secretly sold for profit.
A ₦15 million fund from former Education Minister Prof. Tahir Mamman intended for Christmas distributions saw only a fraction reach party executives, with ₦48 million unaccounted for.
Financial Mismanagement Details
Yakubu’s petition highlighted the complete sidelining of the party’s financial secretary and treasurer, violating party protocols. She alleged that payments, often processed via Bureau de Change (BDC) operators, were kept secret by key officials, leaving grassroots party members in financial distress.
She wrote, “Monies meant for party activities have been diverted, while members struggle with hospital bills and school fees.”
Calls for Action
Yakubu urged higher party authorities to intervene and investigate the scandal, warning that the violations threaten the credibility of the APC in Adamawa State. She claimed efforts to remove her from office are part of a broader scheme to cover up the irregularities.
The scandal underscores systemic issues of corruption within Nigerian politics and raises questions about the misuse of public funds meant for critical sectors like education.
