A civic advocacy organization, the Nasarawa State Transparency, Accountability, and Good Governance Group, has called for the immediate resignation of the state’s Accountant General, Mr. Musa Ahmed Mohammed, over alleged involvement in partisan political activities in violation of the Electoral Act.
The group’s Coordinator, Mr. Lazrus Salaki, made the call during a press briefing held at the Secretariat of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nasarawa State Council, in Lafia.
Salaki expressed concern over what he described as the Accountant General’s continued active participation in political engagements. He cited, among other things, the public display of campaign posters in Lafia and across the 13 Local Government Areas of the state, saying such actions undermine the neutrality required of his office.
He further alleged that since Mr. Musa Ahmed’s appointment, the Accountant General’s office has become a hub for political meetings by various interest groups. According to Salaki, while these meetings may not directly disrupt official duties, they risk compromising sensitive government information and constitute a breach of public trust.
“The Accountant General’s failure to distance himself from electioneering activities in his favour is a clear violation of Governor Abdullahi Sule’s repeated directives,” Salaki stated. “The governor had clearly instructed all political appointees with ambitions for the 2027 general elections to either resign or refrain from any campaign-related activities until the official campaign period begins, in line with Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act.”
He added that Mr. Ahmed’s continued stay in office while allegedly pursuing political ambition contradicts the ethics of public service.
“If Mr Musa Ahmed is nursing political ambitions, the honourable and lawful step is to resign and fully pursue his aspirations,” Salaki maintained. “Remaining in office while engaging in politics not only undermines public trust but also sets a dangerous precedent for future governance.”
Salaki described the Accountant General’s office as highly sensitive and professional, stressing that it must remain politically neutral. He alleged that the current holder had turned it into a centre for political consultations, fostering favouritism, potential abuse of office, and misuse of public funds.
“Public office is a sacred trust,” he said. “It should never be used for personal or political gain. Instead, it must serve the people with transparency, accountability, and impartiality.”
Quoting a government circular dated April 16, 2024, Salaki reminded the public that the Nasarawa State Government had earlier directed all political appointees with electoral aspirations to resign or wait until the ban on political campaigns is officially lifted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He also referenced a statement by Mr. Peter Ahemba, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Affairs, during a press briefing on March 27, 2025, where the government reiterated that the directive remains binding on all appointees.
“Despite this clear position, the Accountant General has continued to defy the directive,” Salaki said. “Rather than stepping aside, he has turned his office into a rallying point for political consultations, hosting delegations, including the Forum of Former Members of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly.”
The group further alleged that Mr. Ahmed has been disbursing public funds to visiting political groups under the guise of providing transport fare, an action they described as gross misconduct and abuse of office.
“Governor Sule has made it clear that disloyalty and insubordination, especially those that undermine governance, will not be tolerated,” Salaki warned. “Allowing the Accountant General to remain in office under these circumstances could erode public confidence and destabilize the civil service.”
He urged Governor Sule to act swiftly to safeguard the integrity of the state’s public institutions and prevent a potential political crisis.
Meanwhile, efforts to reach the Accountant General Mr. Musa Ahmed for comment were unsuccessful (Radio Nigeria)