Competition for Ministerial Appointments Intensifies Following President Tinubu’s Special Adviser Appointments
Following President Bola Tinubu’s recent appointment of eight special advisers, the race for ministerial positions has reportedly become more intense. State chapters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are awaiting directives from the President to submit their ministerial nominees to the party headquarters.
While some party leaders believe it is appropriate for the President to make the selections, others argue that Tinubu might face challenges in choosing his ministers due to the party’s losses in gubernatorial and senatorial elections in states like Zamfara, Plateau, Delta, and Kano. These party members suggest that Tinubu should prioritize individuals who lost in the 2023 general elections.
Despite President Tinubu’s assurance that those who were not endorsed by the APC or lost in the elections would not be left out, prominent party figures continue to lobby for ministerial appointments. In Delta State, both Festus Keyamo, the former Minister of State for Labour and Employment, and Ovie Omo-Agege, the defeated gubernatorial candidate, are being considered for nomination.
Speculations also suggest that former Osun State governor Gboyega Oyetola, who lost his re-election bid, may be considered for a ministerial position. Party members from Ondo State are reportedly lobbying in Abuja for appointments, and individuals such as Isaac Kekemeke, the APC National Vice-Chairman, Alex Ajipe, an industrialist, and Ademola Adegoroye, a former Minister of Transportation, are among those vying for ministerial positions.
In Sokoto State, sources indicate that Senator Ibrahim Gobir, the immediate past Senate Majority leader, may be considered for a ministerial role. Despite losing the governorship primary, Gobir has remained loyal to the party and actively contributed to its success in the state.
As discussions and preparations continue, the party’s position on the nominees for federal appointments is expected to be made public in due course.Zamfara State and Ekiti State Contenders for Ministerial Appointments Revealed
In Zamfara State, former governor Bello Matawalle and Senator Kabir Marafa are reportedly being considered by the party for ministerial appointments. Both individuals have emerged as potential nominees from the state.
Similarly, in Ekiti State, Senator Dayo Adeyeye and former Governor Kayode Fayemi are said to be among those being considered for ministerial positions. Their track records and contributions to the party have positioned them as strong contenders.
As the selection process unfolds, the final decisions regarding ministerial appointments in both states will be announced by the respective parties.
