Oyetola, Fani-Kayode, Kwankwaso, Ganduje …a peep into Tinubu’s ministerial nominees list

With the election and appointments of all principal officers of the National Assembly, the coast is now clear for President Bola Tinubu to present his ministerial list for ratification by the National Assembly.

National Daily with inputs from reliable sources and opinions from experts present a peek into the list being compiled and undergoing vetting by the relevant agencies.

According to the sources, old ACN members dominate the list of nominees from the South-west zone, while conceding the nominees to other members of the legacy parties that existed before the formation of APC.

Beginning with Ekiti state, Prince Dayo Adeyeye is said to on the list. He is being rewarded for pioneering the South-west Agenda, SWAGA, for 2023, reputed to have flagged off the presidential aspiration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, PBAT.

In Osun state, former governor Adegboyega Oyetola and Chief Femi Fani-Kayode are likely to make the list, according to the source.

“There is a strong possibility for the former governor to be reassigned for nomination as the Central Bank governor, given his pedigree and cognate experience in the banking industry.

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“His experience in the First Bank of Nigeria is an added advantage. Dr. Tunji Abayomi and Chief Olusola Oke are locking horns for the Ondo state slot.

In the Northern frontiers, Comrade Salihu Lukman, APC national vice chairman of the zone, is likely to be the nominee from Kaduna state.

“In the case of Kano state, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso will clinch the slot, but an additional slot is being conceded for the immediate past Governor Abdullahi Ganduje to nominate someone to take the position.

“There is consultation for the Kebbi nominee with Governor Atiku Bagudu likely to be the only one among his peers to cross the nomination hurdle.

Senator Mohammed Dambu and Hon Tijani Tumsah, the pioneer national secretary of the party, are locking horns for the only available slot.

The nomination for Borno state will go to Senator Abubakar Kyari, deputy national chairman, north of the party because sources said he has been endorsed by Vice President Shettima and Governor Umar Zulum.

The nomination for Taraba state is inching towards Senator Emmanuel Bwatcha, a popular politician and the governorship candidate of the party in the last elections.

The struggle for the Bauchi state slot is a straight fight between Malam Isa Yuguda, former minister and two-term governor of the state, and Mr Ali Pate, former minister and an employee of the Brettonwoods. The two are laying claims to being technocrats.

Kwara state slot is going to either Prof Ishaq Olorode or Comrade Isa Aremu, any of them is a perfect choice in terms of prudence, honesty, capacity and astute lifestyle.

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Niger state is tilting towards Prof Yahaya Kuta, once secretary to the state government and an academic from University of Ibadan.

Benue state is for the SGF Chief George Akume to decide. Hon Emmanuel Jime is a strong contender. In Plateau, the nominee is being discussed due to failure of the immediate past Governor Solomon Lalong to deliver.

He is pushing for Hon Yakubu Datti, a former commissioner. The SGF and former Governor Joshua Dariye will find a suitable nominee.

Kogi state nominee is at the discretion of Governor Yahaya Bello. He performed above average during the polls and has absolute confidence in PBAT.

Imo state nominee is Sir Mike Okiro, former Inspector General of Police. His path and PBAT crossed when both served in Lagos as governor and commissioner of police.

Enugu state is going to Hon Emma Enekwu, APC deputy national chairman south. He has been consistent since the ANPP days.

Anambra state slot is for Dr. Andy Uba, the most visible politician from the state who identifies with PBAT. His nomination will douse the opposition of OBJ to PBAT and erode the home base support for Peter Obi.

Senator Uche Ukwunife is being considered based on gender and non-controversial posture.

Abia state is inching towards Chief Mac Wabara, a banker, cosmopolitan and a Lagos Boy, so to speak. Yoruba is the dominant dialect in his household. He will communicate seamlessly with the president due to personal touch and language affinity.

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Ebonyi state is being determined by Senator Dave Umahi. He is the last bus stop as far as Ebonyi nomination is concerned. He is enjoying an excellent relationship with Mr. President.

Rivers state slot is for ex-Governor Nyesom Wike because PBAT doesn’t betray friendship and rewards loyalty. Wike did a yeoman’s job during the presidential polls in the state.

Delta state is a straight fight between Barrister Festus Keyamo, Chief Frank Kokori and Dr. Felix Morka, APC national publicly secretary.

Bayelsa state is expected to have the endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan. He has a cordial relationship with PBAT. Chief Davekeme Ikwigwa is likely among the lucky persons.

Edo state slot is for Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to decide. It is certain that the candidate is from the Bini stock to help the party tackle Governor Obaseki during the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state.

Malam Dogodaji from Katsina state.