Tinubu faces criticism over tribal bias in government appointments

On Thursday, President Bola Tinubu announced four fresh appointments—Olawale Olopade as DG of the National Sports Commission; Dr. Abisoye Fagade – DG, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism; Dr. Adebowale Adedokun-Bureau of Public Procurement and Daniel Bwala as Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications (State House).

Of the four fresh appointments, three are said to be from his Yoruba ethnic group in the Southwest, drawing criticisms from Nigerians.

A recent survey conducted by a local research firm indicated that a significant portion of Nigerians are concerned about ethnic biases in political appointments.

Among respondents, 62% believed that Tinubu’s appointments showed a disproportionate preference for certain groups. This sentiment has fueled public debate and has even been echoed by political opposition leaders.

According to statistics,  head of all arms of the criminal justice system (EFCC, DSS, Attorney-General and Chief Justice); the economy (Coordinating Minister of the economy, CBN, Finance, Blue Economy, Digital Economy, Trade, Industries and Investment, Bank of Industry, Solid Minerals); as well as the forces (army, police, customs, immigration, DSS) are Yoruba from the Southwest.

But the Presidency has denied the allegation that the current administration is favouring the South West at the expense of other regions in terms of appointments in the security sector.

In a post via X on Saturday, Special Adviser to the President on Public Communications and Orientation, Sunday Dare, shared a list of the heads of security agencies appointed by Tinubu.

According to the list, the North West has the highest appointees (eight), followed by the South West (five) and North Central (four).

North East has three appointees, according to the presidential aide’s list, while South South and South East have one each.

President Tinubu, who assumed office in May 2023, quickly began forming his administration by selecting individuals for crucial positions.

However, as these appointments were rolled out, concerns grew that they disproportionately favored the president’s own Yoruba ethnic group, especially those from his home region in the southwest.

This perception has fueled debates over whether Tinubu’s leadership adheres to Nigeria’s principle of federal character—a constitutional mandate designed to ensure that the nation’s diversity is represented in its leadership.

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“Tinubu’s appointments seem to tilt towards a preference for trusted allies and people from familiar backgrounds,” notes Dr. Suleiman Idris, a political science professor at the University of Abuja. “While loyalty and competence are essential, the symbolism of inclusivity in a multi-ethnic country like Nigeria cannot be overstated.”

Analysts argue that an ethnically skewed leadership team can have repercussions that go beyond perceptions of bias.

Nigeria’s complex ethnic makeup has historically been a source of both cultural richness and tension. Any move perceived as favoring one group over others can exacerbate regional grievances, which have long fueled political and social unrest.

According to Bisi Adebanjo, a policy analyst based in Lagos, “The implications of ethnic favoritism in leadership appointments are significant. They can erode trust not only in the government’s intentions but also in its ability to govern equitably. When citizens feel excluded, it can lead to reduced cooperation with state policies and even fuel separatist sentiments.”

Tinubu’s critics point to the fact that Nigeria’s historical and ongoing political challenges are rooted in the delicate balance of ethnic representation. Since independence, various governments have struggled to create a system where all major and minor ethnic groups feel adequately represented.

“This is not just about optics; it affects real policymaking and social cohesion,” says Adebanjo.

On the other side of the argument, defenders of the president’s choices emphasize the need for experience and trustworthiness in key roles, especially given the daunting economic and security issues Nigeria faces.

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They argue that Tinubu’s appointments include individuals known for their competence, irrespective of their ethnic backgrounds.

“Tinubu has faced a landscape of immense challenges since day one—from economic reforms that spiked fuel prices to navigating complex security dynamics,” says Dr. Emeka Okoro, a public affairs commentator. “It is understandable that he would select people he feels confident can handle these pressing issues effectively. The reality is, when stakes are this high, leaders often turn to those they know and trust.”

However, even some supporters admit that a more balanced approach would help quell growing criticisms. “While competence and trust are critical, diversity cannot be overlooked,” Dr. Okoro adds. “A government that reflects the ethnic variety of Nigeria would reinforce confidence across different regions.”

“The perception of a tribal bias could hinder Tinubu’s ability to build the consensus needed for major reforms,” explains Mohammed Lawan, a senior political analyst with ties to civil society organizations.

“Nigeria needs an inclusive strategy for tackling everything from economic disparity to insurgency. If the president fails to demonstrate that he is a leader for all Nigerians, he risks further fragmenting the nation.”