Former finance minister says resignation was necessary to protect her name and pursue legal action against the federal government
Former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, has opened up on the circumstances surrounding her resignation from the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, saying internal opposition within government seized on the NYSC certificate controversy to force her out of office.
Adeosun, who served as finance minister from 2015 until her exit in 2018, said influential figures in the Buhari-led government capitalised on the controversy as an opportunity to remove her from the Federal Executive Council.
Speaking on Inside Sources on Channels Television, excerpts of which were aired on Thursday, Adeosun said she was never in doubt that her exit was engineered by what she described as “powerful enemies” who were uncomfortable with her continued stay in office.
“I’m not confused about the fact that I had powerful enemies who I believed saw an opportunity — let’s get rid of her,” she said.
‘Why Did I Resign?’ Adeosun Explains Decision
Addressing questions over why she chose to resign rather than fight the allegations while remaining in office, Adeosun said her decision was driven by principle and the need to protect her reputation.
She revealed that she personally informed President Buhari of her intention to step down and pursue legal action to clear her name.
“The day I resigned, I went to see the president. I told him, ‘Mr President, I need to go, but I will go to court to clear my name,’” she recalled.
According to her, Buhari supported the decision, stressing the long-term importance of protecting one’s name and integrity.
“He said, ‘I absolutely support you. These names are leased to us for our children and grandchildren. They are going to inherit them. You don’t destroy your name because you want to stay as minister. For what?’”
‘You Can’t Sue the Government and Stay in Government’
Adeosun also explained that remaining in cabinet while taking legal action against the federal government would have been inappropriate.
“I sued the federal government. You can’t be suing the government and staying in the government. You can’t. You have to go. I believe it was the right thing to do,” she said.
Her resignation in 2018 followed allegations that the NYSC exemption certificate submitted as part of her official documentation was forged—an accusation that sparked intense public debate and political pressure at the time.
Adeosun’s exit marked one of the most high-profile resignations of Buhari’s first term and remains a reference point in discussions around accountability, internal power struggles, and integrity in public office.
With her latest comments, the former minister has reignited public interest in the episode, framing it not just as a personal controversy, but as a reflection of deeper political dynamics within the former administration.
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