ABUJA: The Nigerian Presidency has admitted to significant errors in the recently released list of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) political appointees, following widespread public scrutiny and backlash over perceived regional imbalances and the surprising exclusion of Femi Gbajiabiamila
The list, which details appointments across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones—South West, South-South, South East, North West, North Central, and North East has sparked national debate, with critics alleging a clear skew in favor of the South West, Tinubu’s home region.
Acknowledging the controversy, Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, issued a public apology on Thursday via his verified X (formerly Twitter) account. We have noticed some errors in the list of appointments tweeted. We are sorry. We will provide an updated list later, Dare stated.
The statement followed intense criticism over the omission of Femi Gbajabiamila, one of the President’s closest allies and current Chief of Staff, from the list. Observers expressed shock that such a key figure in the administration could be overlooked in what was presented as a comprehensive breakdown of Tinubu’s appointments.
Regional Breakdown Raises Eyebrows
According to the original publication, the appointments were distributed as follows:
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North West – 36
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South West – 29
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North Central – 25
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North East – 24
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South South – 22
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South East – 16
The release of over 150 names prompted accusations of favoritism, particularly as several top-tier, high-influence positions were awarded to appointees from the South West.
Prominent figures from the South West featured on the list include:
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Wale Edun – Minister of Finance
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Dele Alake – Minister of Solid Minerals
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Kayode Egbetokun – Inspector General of Police
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Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja – Chief of Army Staff
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Adeola Ajayi – Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS)
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Olanipekun Olukoyede – Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
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Femi Gbajabiamila – Chief of Staff (though notably omitted from the published list) Related News:
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The South East, receiving the fewest number of appointments, has become the focal point of renewed debate surrounding ethnic equity and inclusion in federal governance. Critics argue that the trend reflects broader systemic imbalances and may further alienate regions already feeling marginalized in national politics.
Political analysts and opposition voices have pointed out that the disparity in the number and nature of appointments appears to reinforce Nigeria’s long-standing challenges with ethno-regional representation. Some claim that such imbalances risk deepening divisions in an already fragile federation.
Despite the backlash, supporters of President Tinubu have defended the administration’s choices, asserting that competence, experience, and loyalty—not ethnicity—have driven the appointments.
They argue that the President is well within his rights to assemble a team he believes can deliver on his Renewed Hope Agenda and that early results from his cabinet and special advisers should be the ultimate measure of success, not regional allocation.
In light of the controversy, the Presidency has pledged to correct the errors and publish a revised and accurate list of appointees in the coming days. It remains to be seen whether the update will reflect greater balance or if the current arrangement will be upheld, possibly fueling further debate.
As the Tinubu administration settles into its second year in office, questions around federal character, inclusive governance, and meritocracy remain central to public discourse, shaping both perception and political momentum heading into the next cycle of national evaluation.
