Connect with us

News

News Analysis: Tinubu’s Appointment from the South West – Yoruba Christians Consolidate Dominance

Published

2 years ago

on

President Bola Ahmad Tinubu

By Abbas Yushau Yusuf

In the aftermath of President Bola Ahmad Tinubu’s historic victory in Nigeria’s recent general elections, a profound shift in the South West’s political landscape has been set in motion. The ascendancy of President Tinubu, a Yoruba Muslim, as the sixteenth President of Nigeria marks a watershed moment in the region’s political history. While this achievement has brought jubilation to many, it has also raised questions regarding the distribution of political appointments in the region.

In the six southwest states only Ekiti and Ondo states are predominantly Christians.

Historically, the South West has seen prominent Yoruba leaders emerge, such as President Olusegun Obasanjo and Chief Ernest Shonekan. Notably, both of these leaders were Yoruba Christians, making President Tinubu’s presidency as a Yoruba Muslim a first for the region.

Leading up to the 2023 general election, there was a growing call by Muslim advocacy groups, such as the Muslim Right Concern (MURIC), for the emergence of a Yoruba Muslim as President. The goal was to address what they perceived as marginalization of Southwest Muslims in key government positions. With President Tinubu’s election, this aspiration seemed to be on the brink of realization.

Advert

However, since assuming office, President Tinubu’s appointments have raised eyebrows among some in the Muslim community. Despite being a Yoruba Muslim, many of his key federal appointments have been predominantly Yoruba Christians. This has given rise to concerns and questions about whether the Yoruba Muslim population’s aspirations are being fully addressed.

The appointment of a Yoruba Christian as Inspector General of Police, Central Bank Governor, FIRS Chairman, Minister of Finance, Chief of Army Staff, and other significant roles has sparked a lively debate in the region. Additionally, the composition of the President’s cabinet, with seven out of ten South West ministers being Christians, has added to the conversation.

The controversy doesn’t end there. Several other important positions, such as the CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), the Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the Chairman of the Tax Reform Committee, and the Special Adviser for Economic Affairs, are also filled by Yoruba Christians.

Even the appointment of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been met with scrutiny, as he hails from the same religious affiliation as the department that reportedly posed a challenge to Tinubu’s presidential ambitions during the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries, A pastor with the redeemed christian church of God (RCCG).

On top of these appointments, a majority of the South West Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, and Special Assistants are Christians.

This wave of appointments has led to profound shock and raised questions among the Yoruba Muslim community. MURIC, which had ardently campaigned for Tinubu’s election, is among those expressing astonishment at the current state of affairs.

In conclusion, while President Tinubu’s victory as the first Yoruba Muslim President is celebrated, the distribution of key appointments is giving rise to significant debate and reflection within the South West region. The political landscape and balance of power within the Yoruba community is evolving, and it remains to be seen how these developments will shape the future of the region.

Related Topics:

News

ADC Reports Surge in Membership Following Kwankwaso’s Defection, Calls Him ‘Game Changer’

Published

8 hours ago

on

March 30, 2026

By

 

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially welcomed former Kano State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso into its fold, touting his defection as a pivotal move that strengthens a growing coalition for political realignment in Nigeria.

In a statement released for immediate effect, the party described Kwankwaso as a “game-changer,” announcing that he has directed his network of supporters nationwide to join the ADC. According to the party, this call has already triggered a significant uptick in registrations on its online platform over the past 24 hours.

The ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, framed the defection as part of a broader recognition among Nigerians of the need for a credible political alternative. The statement emphasized Kwankwaso’s experience in governance, grassroots influence, and capacity to unify as assets to the party’s ambition to “rebuild Nigeria.”

Advert

Notably, the ADC highlighted the presence of several high-profile leaders at the defection event, including the party’s National Chairman, Senator David Mark; National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; and leading presidential aspirants such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Mr. Peter Obi, and Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi. Their attendance, the party stated, reflects a united front and growing momentum.

The party characterized the surge in online registrations as evidence that Nigerians are aligning with what it called a “different path forward.” In its appeal to Kwankwaso’s supporters and the broader public, the ADC positioned itself as a vehicle for restoring dignity, opportunity, and public trust in governance.

“Change does not happen by chance,” the statement concluded. “It happens when people come together with purpose.”

The development marks a significant realignment in Nigeria’s opposition political landscape, with the ADC seeking to position itself as a converging point for influential politicians and their followings ahead of future elections.

Continue Reading

News

Foreign Affairs Minister Resigns to Pursue Bauchi Governorship Election

Published

8 hours ago

on

March 30, 2026

By

 

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has resigned from his position in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to pursue the governorship of Bauchi State in the 2027 election.

Tuggar submitted his resignation on Monday, in compliance with a presidential directive requiring all political appointees with electoral ambitions to vacate their posts by the March 31, 2026, deadline.

The directive, issued through the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, aligns with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). It affects ministers, advisers, and heads of federal agencies intending to contest in the 2027 general elections.

Advert

Reports have it that his resignation positions him to seek the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Bauchi State gubernatorial race.

Tuggar’s entry is expected to significantly reshape the state’s political landscape, intensifying an already competitive contest for the APC nomination. His background as a career diplomat and serving minister is seen by political observers as a potential advantage, offering national visibility and extensive political networks.

With less than 24 hours remaining before the deadline, additional resignations from the Federal Executive Council are anticipated as other appointees move to formalize their electoral ambitions.

Continue Reading

News

Kwankwaso Officially Joins ADC

Published

12 hours ago

on

March 30, 2026

By

 

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party and ex-Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has officially joined the African Democratic Congress.

The former Minister of Defence also registered with the party and received his membership card on Monday at Gidan Kwankwasiyya, Miller Road, Bompai, Kano.

Advert

Present at the event include ADC National Chairman and former Senate President, David Mark; former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Tambuwal; former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi; Senator Dino Melaye; and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, John Odigie-Oyegun, among others.

Continue Reading

Trending