Bring Back Betta Edu: Tinubu Needs His Best Hands Ahead of 2027
By Abdulaziz Musa Isah
In politics, mistakes are magnified, but legacies should not be erased by momentary errors. Dr. Betta Edu, the erstwhile Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Eradication, was removed under a cloud of controversy over a bureaucratic misstep—approving allowances for a flight to Kogi, a state without an airport. But strip away the sensationalism, and what remains is a simple procedural error, not an indictment of her integrity, competence, or capacity to serve Nigeria.
Since her exit, the Ministry she once led with vigor has retreated into the shadows. The bold energy that once defined humanitarian interventions has waned, leaving a vacuum in a sector that demands innovation, empathy, and dynamism.
Dr. Edu is not an ordinary politician. She is a young, elegant, brilliant, and unapologetically progressive leader. Within the All Progressives Congress (APC), her record stands tall as arguably the finest woman leader the party has ever produced. She has inspired women, energized youths, and carried the banner of inclusivity in ways that few before her have dared. For many young Nigerians, her rise symbolized hope—that competence, passion, and progressive values could find a place in our governance structure.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, navigating the complexities of reforms and political consolidation, cannot afford to sideline such a formidable asset. With the 2027 elections on the horizon and the growing influence of emerging coalitions seeking to woo disillusioned APC supporters, the ruling party needs its brightest stars. Dr. Edu remains one of the few leaders with deep grassroots appeal, especially among Nigeria’s restless but loyal youth base.
The truth is stark: if the APC must rekindle the faith of its young support base, then leaders like Dr. Betta Edu must be at the forefront. Her removal did not diminish her influence; it only underscored the gap her absence created. She is not just a politician; she is a symbol of progressive renewal—a reminder that youthful brilliance and competence must not be sacrificed on the altar of political scapegoating.
Mr. President, history rewards leaders who recognize the value of second chances. Reinstating Dr. Betta Edu will not just restore confidence in the Humanitarian Ministry; it will send a powerful signal to Nigerians: that this administration values competence, youthful innovation, and loyalty to the progressive cause.
As 2027 draws nearer, the APC cannot afford to alienate its energetic youth constituency. Dr. Betta Edu is a voice that cannot be ignored. For the sake of the party’s future, for the credibility of this administration, and for the millions who still believe in the Renewed Hope Agenda—bring back Betta Edu.
