Nigeria’s delicate ethnic balancing act is facing growing concerns, with critics accusing President Bola Tinubu of favouring his own Yoruba ethnic group in key appointments. Despite the constitution requiring regional representation in cabinet positions, the distribution of prominent roles has traditionally followed an informal convention aimed at fostering national cohesion.
Tinubu’s appointments since becoming president in May 2023 have sparked criticism, with all eight crucial positions currently filled by Yorubas. These roles include the heads of the central bank, state-owned oil company NNPC, police, army, customs service, intelligence agency, anti-corruption agency, and revenue service. According to political analyst Lawal Lawal, these positions control the country’s key financial and security apparatus.
The recent appointment of Bayo Ojulari, a Yoruba, to head the NNPC, replacing a northerner, has turbocharged the debate about the apparent monopoly of one group in top positions. Historian Tijjani Naniya notes that this level of dominance is unprecedented, saying, “For a democratically elected president, I cannot remember at any point in Nigerian history where you have this high concentration of a particular ethnic group holding most of the sensitive positions.”
This trend has raised concerns about the potential impact on national unity and the future of the country. Professor Naniya adds, “For me, the fear is what if the next president continues on this path and picks most of the sensitive positions from his ethnic group, it diminishes the feeling of belonging among the rest and also reduces belief in democracy.”
The presidency has vehemently denied accusations of favouritism, with a spokesperson saying President Tinubu is being fair and balanced by taking a wider view of all appointments. Media aide Sunday Dare attempted to provide evidence, claiming 71 northerners and 63 southerners had been appointed, but his post was later deleted due to errors.
Critics, including Senator Ali Ndume from the north, have expressed concerns about the lack of inclusivity in Tinubu’s appointments, describing them as “non-inclusive and not reflecting the president’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.” Presidential aide Daniel Bwala disputes the idea that some positions are more significant than others, emphasizing that all appointments are critical and important.
To move forward, historian Professor Naniya believes Nigeria needs at least four presidents in succession who give every section a sense of belonging in terms of projects and appointments. He says, “I think it can be done but needs the right leaders.” Political analyst Mr Lawal agrees that the president should appoint the best person for the job, irrespective of their ethnic origin, adding, “It’s high time Nigeria looks beyond ethnicity.”