Former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, has disclosed that the controversy surrounding her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate was deliberately exploited by influential figures within the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari to force her resignation from office. She made this revelation during a recent interview on Inside Sources aired on Channels Television.
According to Adeosun, while questions were raised about her NYSC exemption certificate, the issue quickly went beyond administrative clarification and became entangled in internal power struggles within government. She described the actors involved as “powerful enemies” who, she said, were determined to see her exit the cabinet.
The former minister explained that the intensity and speed with which the controversy escalated suggested coordination rather than routine institutional concern. She noted that what might have been addressed through established verification processes was instead amplified in a manner that made her continued stay in office increasingly untenable.
Adeosun stressed that the certificate issue became a convenient tool for political manoeuvring. While she acknowledged the sensitivity of public office requirements, she maintained that the circumstances surrounding her resignation reflected deeper conflicts within the administration rather than a simple compliance matter.
She declined to mention specific names but hinted that the individuals involved wielded significant influence within government circles. According to her, these figures were uncomfortable with her role, authority, or policy direction and saw the controversy as an opportunity to push her out.
Kemi Adeosun served as Nigeria’s Minister of Finance from 2015 until her resignation in September 2018. During her tenure, she was a central figure in economic policy formulation, budget reforms, debt management, and fiscal recovery efforts following Nigeria’s economic recession.
At the time of her resignation, the presidency announced that it had accepted her decision in the interest of maintaining focus and stability within government. Public discourse largely framed her exit as a direct consequence of the NYSC certificate controversy, with limited attention given to possible internal dynamics.
Her recent comments have now reopened debate about how political rivalries and institutional power struggles shape leadership outcomes in Nigeria. Analysts argue that reform-driven officials often face resistance from entrenched interests, and that personal or procedural issues can be used strategically to remove them.
The interview has also revived conversations around fairness and due process in public service. While many Nigerians insist that public officials must meet all statutory requirements, others believe Adeosun’s account raises concerns about selective enforcement and political targeting.
Legal and governance experts note that the episode underscores the need for transparent and consistent verification processes for public officials. They argue that ambiguity creates room for manipulation and undermines public confidence in governance institutions.
Adeosun’s remarks further highlight the complex realities of Nigerian politics, where official explanations may not always capture the full story behind high-profile resignations. Her account suggests that internal pressures can be just as decisive as public scrutiny.