Diaspora Voice Demands Corruption Probe of Interior Minister Tunji-Ojo Ahead of 2027, 2029 Elections
A prominent Nigerian voice in the diaspora, Abanikanda Olumoro, has called for a comprehensive investigation into multiple corruption allegations against Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, warning that unresolved controversies must be addressed before he contests for higher political office.
Writing from the United Kingdom, Olumoro urged the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to uphold integrity by disqualifying candidates with pending corruption allegations from participating in future elections — particularly Tunji-Ojo, who is reportedly eyeing the Ondo North senatorial seat in 2027 and a potential governorship run 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 a credible investigation is conducted.
Allegations Highlighted
The article cites three major areas of concern that warrant investigation:
- NDDC Committee Controversy – Tunji-Ojo’s tenure as Chairman of the House Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) continues to raise questions, particularly following the infamous “Honourable Minister, Please Off Your Mic” incident, in which he allegedly shielded corruption by silencing whistleblowers.
- Beta Edu Humanitarian Fund Scandal – The minister is accused of awarding inflated contracts to companies linked to himself and his wife, involving hundreds of millions of naira.
- Recruitment Irregularities – Reports claim that due process has been bypassed in hiring practices across key agencies under his ministry, including the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Call for Transparency
Olumoro clarified that the demand does not constitute an accusation of guilt but is a call for accountability, transparency, and due process.
“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 statement reflects growing unease within Nigeria’s diaspora communities, particularly among those with ties to Ondo and Ekiti States.
Broader Anti-Corruption Context
The call follows an international anti-corruption conference held on September 18, 2025, co-hosted by the University of Lagos, Pan-Africana Strategic Group (PANAFSTRAG), and CISLAC. The event underscored corruption’s deep impact on governance, political credibility, and public trust in Nigeria.
Olumoro warned that ignoring these allegations could pose serious political risks:
“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.”
As of press time, the Interior Ministry has not responded to requests for comment.
