President Tinubu’s Appointments Since 2023: Addressing the Federal Character Controversy

President Tinubu Appointments 2023 Federal Character ControversySince President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in 2023, his administration has faced scrutiny over federal appointments, particularly regarding the principle of Federal Character—a constitutional mandate aimed at ensuring . equitable representation across Nigeria’s diverse regions. Recently, StartSmart Nigeria reported that Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, released a comprehensive list of 134 federal appointments made by Tinubu. This move seeks to address criticisms and provide clarity on the distribution of key roles across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.

In this News, we’ll explore the details of these appointments, analyze their regional breakdown, and evaluate how they align with the Federal Character principle. Whether you’re researching Nigerian politics or seeking insights into Tinubu’s governance, this article offers a detailed breakdown backed by facts.

Federal Character Controversy: Too Early to Judge?

Sunday Dare emphasized that it’s premature to label President Tinubu’s appointments as lopsided. “People tend to isolate new appointments and examine them with a tribal lens, but Tinubu has barely completed two years in office. There are plenty more appointments still to come,” he noted. He argued that a broader perspective reveals a balanced approach to federal appointments across major government institutions and agencies.

According to Dare, the data shows that the Northern region has secured 71 appointments, slightly edging out the South with 63. This statistic alone challenges claims of regional favoritism. Let’s dive deeper into the numbers and see how these appointments are distributed across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

Regional Breakdown of Tinubu’s Appointments

Here’s a detailed look at the 134 appointments released by the Presidency, categorized by region:

South West: 26 Appointments

The South West, often seen as Tinubu’s political stronghold, holds 26 slots. Notable appointees include:

• Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy
• Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy
• Olayemi Cardoso, CBN Governor
• Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff

This region’s representation spans critical sectors like finance, security, and technology, reflecting its significant role in Tinubu’s administration.

North Central: 25 Appointments

With 25 positions, the North Central region is well-represented, including:

• Shuaibu Audu, Minister of Steel Development
• Lateef Fagbemi, Minister of Justice
• Bashir Bayo Ojulari, GMD, NNPC Limited
• Kemi Nandap, Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service

These appointments cover justice, energy, and security, showcasing a balanced spread of influence.

North East: 24 Appointments

The North East secured 24 slots, with key figures like:

• Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security
• Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser
• Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare
• Mohammed Buba Marwa, Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency

This region’s appointees hold sway in agriculture, health, and security—vital areas for national development.

North West: 36 Appointments

Leading the pack with 36 appointments, the North West includes:

• Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Minister of Defence
• Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy
• General Christopher Gwabin Musa, Chief of Defence Staff
• Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General, NITDA

The North West’s dominance in defence, culture, and technology highlights its strong presence in Tinubu’s administration.

South South: 21 Appointments

The South South has 21 appointees, such as:

• Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development
• Nyesom Wike, Minister of Federal Capital Territory
• Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff
• Emomotimi Agama, Director General, SEC

This region’s influence is notable in aviation, governance, and security.

South East: 16 Appointments

With 16 positions, the South East includes:

• Sen. Dave Umahi, Minister of Works
• Dr. Doris Anite Uzoka, Minister of State for Finance
• Bianca Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
• Uzoma Nwagba, MD, Credicorp

Though it has the fewest appointments, the South East holds strategic roles in infrastructure and finance.

Northern vs. Southern Appointments: A Closer Look

Breaking down the totals:

• North (North West, North East, North Central): 71 appointments
• South (South West, South South, South East): 63 appointments

Within the South:

• South West: 26
• South South: 21
• South East: 16

Dare argues that this distribution reflects a commitment to Federal Character. “If we carry out an unbiased analysis, you’ll see that there is no cause for alarm,” he said. The North’s slight edge (71 vs. 63) aligns with its larger population and number of states (19 vs. 17 in the South), suggesting a proportional approach.

Are Tinubu’s Appointments Truly Balanced?

Critics often point to the South West’s 26 slots as evidence of favoritism, given Tinubu’s Yoruba heritage. However, the North West’s 36 appointments—10 more than the South West—counter this narrative. Additionally, the South East’s 16 positions, while the lowest, are proportionate to its five states compared to the six in other zones.

The spread across sectors like security (e.g., Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Defence Staff), finance (e.g., CBN Governor, FIRS Chairman), and infrastructure (e.g., Ministers of Works, Housing) indicates an intent to leverage talent nationwide. Dare’s assertion that more appointments are forthcoming also suggests that the current list is not the final picture.

A Work in Progress

President Tinubu’s appointments since 2023 have sparked debate, but the data reveals a deliberate effort to balance regional representation. With 71 Northern and 63 Southern appointees, the administration is navigating the complexities of Federal Character amid Nigeria’s diverse socio-political landscape. As Tinubu’s tenure progresses, future appointments will further shape perceptions of equity.

What are your thoughts on this distribution? Does it reflect Nigeria’s diversity, or is there room for improvement? Share your views in the comments below!