For decades, Nigeria’s political structure has delicately balanced ethnic and religious representation in top government appointments to preserve national unity. But mounting concerns are now challenging that equilibrium as President Bola Tinubu faces backlash over perceived ethnic favoritism in key federal roles.
Though Nigeria’s constitution mandates regional representation in cabinet appointments, an unspoken tradition has governed broader high-level roles. This convention aimed to ensure that no single ethnic group dominated national leadership—a practice considered vital for Africa’s most diverse and populous nation.
Rising Concerns Over Tinubu’s Appointment Strategy
President Tinubu, now two years into his term, is under growing scrutiny for favoring individuals from his Yoruba ethnic group, which hails from the southwest. While the presidency strongly denies these claims, critics argue that recent appointments betray the long-standing informal power-sharing norm.
The debate intensified after the appointment of former Shell executive Bayo Ojulari as head of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), replacing a northern appointee. This move means all eight of Nigeria’s top financial and security institutions are now led by Yorubas.
According to political analyst and barrister Lawal Lawal, these eight positions include:
- Central Bank Governor
- Head of NNPC
- Inspector-General of Police
- Army Chief
- Head of Customs
- Director of Intelligence Agency
- EFCC Chairman
- Revenue Service Boss
While no constitutional rule ranks these jobs, collectively, they oversee Nigeria’s most crucial sectors.
A Historical Perspective on Diversity in Leadership
Past administrations reflected a more ethnically varied composition in critical positions. Former President Goodluck Jonathan’s appointments included a mix of Fulanis, Hausas, Igbos, Yorubas, and others. President Muhammadu Buhari’s leadership also leaned northern, but still presented more regional diversity than Tinubu’s current setup.
Now, all eight roles are held by Yorubas—sparking alarm, particularly among Hausa-Fulani communities in the north.
“This is unprecedented in our democratic history,” said Prof. Tijjani Naniya, a Nigerian historian. “It risks alienating entire regions and eroding faith in democracy.”
The dismissal and detention of Abdulrasheed Bawa, a Hausa, as EFCC chair in 2023—and his replacement by Ola Olukoyede, a Yoruba—further fanned suspicions of targeted marginalization.
Government’s Defense and Internal Dissent
Presidential aides argue that President Tinubu is committed to balanced representation. Spokesperson Sunday Dare previously claimed a 71-to-63 appointment split between northerners and southerners. However, after public scrutiny over errors, the post was deleted and no revised list has since been released.
Criticism isn’t limited to opposition voices. Senator Ali Ndume, a northern lawmaker from Tinubu’s own party, labeled the appointments “non-inclusive” and said they do not reflect the president’s promised “Renewed Hope” agenda.
Another aide, Daniel Bwala, downplayed concerns by stating that “all appointments are critical,” and emphasized that several northern figures still hold key positions, including the national security adviser and chief of defense staff.
The Bigger Picture: Unity vs. Meritocracy
Lawal, the political analyst, insists merit should trump ethnicity in leadership selection—a sentiment echoed by Tinubu’s supporters. Yet many Nigerians feel their sense of belonging is tied to seeing their communities visibly represented in government.
Prof. Naniya believes true post-ethnic governance is possible, but only if future presidents adopt inclusive approaches across successive administrations.
“The healing of our national fabric requires leaders who unify through equitable projects and appointments,” he said.