State chapters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are eagerly awaiting instructions from President Bola Tinubu to submit their lists of ministerial nominees. Meanwhile, influential party figures, including former governors, ex-ministers, and other high-ranking members, have already begun competing for ministerial appointments.
Although the nation is eagerly anticipating Tinubu’s ministerial list, President Tinubu recently appointed eight special advisers, including Nuhu Ribadu, former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), who was named as the Special Adviser on Security.
In an interview on March 8, Mr. Dele Alake, the Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communications, and Strategy, stated that Tinubu would form his cabinet within 60 days of assuming office, as mandated by the constitution.
However, there are concerns that Tinubu may face difficulties in selecting his ministers due to the party’s losses in governorship and senatorial elections in states like Zamfara, Plateau, Delta, and Kano. Party leaders expressing concern argue that the President should address the outcome of these elections.
During a meeting with Senators on June 7, Tinubu reassured party members who had lost elections or were not endorsed by the party that they would not be left out. He emphasized that all members, as well as Nigerians, would have a share in the renewed hope.
Despite the President’s assurance, indications suggest that APC bigwigs have already begun competing for appointments. In Delta State, for instance, there was a consensus among many members that Festus Keyamo, a former Minister of State for Labour and Employment, should be included in Tinubu’s cabinet. However, following the defeat of the party’s governorship candidate, Ovie Omo-Agege, the former deputy Senate president’s name has emerged as a possible nominee from the state.
In Osun State, before the Supreme Court ruling on the state governorship election, Prof. Isaac Adewole, a former Minister of Health, was being considered for a ministerial appointment. With the court’s judgment favoring the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, some APC members are now advocating for the immediate past governor of the state, Gboyega Oyetola.
Similar jostling for ministerial positions is taking place in other states such as Zamfara, Kano, Ondo, and Edo, where party chieftains and members are lobbying and positioning themselves for potential appointments.
The APC National Working Committee clarified that the party would not be able to influence Tinubu’s choice of ministerial nominees. While it is expected that Tinubu would consult with the party, it is ultimately the President’s prerogative to appoint ministers, with or without party involvement.
Tinubu recently announced the appointment of eight Special Advisers, including individuals such as Nuhu Ribadu, Wale Edun, and Olu Verheijen, among others. These appointments come after Tinubu’s request to the Senate for the approval of 20 special advisers, without disclosing their names or positions.
As the party awaits further instructions, the process of selecting ministerial nominees continues, with party members positioning themselves for possible appointments in the new administration.
