Ministerial Slots: Tinubu May Dump Ex-govs, Prefers Technocrats

As the discussions surrounding ministerial appointments gain momentum, there are indications that President Bola Tinubu may have shifted his focus away from appointing former governors to his cabinet and instead prefers technocrats and professionals, according to information obtained by PulseNets.

Reliable sources disclosed to Vanguard that the prospects for former governors securing cabinet positions are uncertain as the President is not inclined towards considering them for such roles.

A source familiar with the matter revealed that former governors from both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are actively working to ensure that their nominees secure appointments to various government boards, MDAs (Ministries, Departments, and Agencies), and parastatals.

It should be recalled that President Tinubu recently dissolved the governing boards of all federal government parastatals, agencies, institutions, and government-owned companies, with the exception of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). This move has prompted former governors to intensify efforts to have their protégés appointed.

A confidential source, identified as a former governor, shared with Vanguard that the President is “trying to avoid these APC leaders.” The source further stated that, in addition to seeking appointments for their nominees as board chairmen, the former governors, particularly those from northern regions, are lobbying for ministerial positions.

The source mentioned that there is some discord within the northern APC, making them a liability to Tinubu. Many former governors want to become ministers, as they believe their contributions were instrumental in Tinubu’s electoral victory. Consequently, they are attempting to become a distraction to the President by insisting on ministerial appointments and influencing appointments to the boards of MDAs.

The source also indicated that some of the former governors have approached the President requesting contracts. However, for the time being, Tinubu is reportedly trying to distance himself from these former northern governors and is looking to appoint technocrats, particularly from the northern region. For example, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) is said to be favored over former Governor Umar Ganduje in Kano, as the President believes Kwankwaso holds greater relevance at the federal level.

Another source, however, maintained that Ganduje is still considered “Tinubu’s man.”

Regarding the fate of former governors in the cabinet formation, a source revealed that the President has not made up his mind about whether to include them. In Ogun State, for instance, it is believed that the role played by Governor Dapo Abiodun during the APC presidential primary, when he aligned with former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, did not sit well with the President. Thus, the President is undecided on which faction of the APC in Ogun State will produce a minister.

The source also mentioned that some former governors, like Senator Ibikunle Amosun, are attempting to realign and make amends with the President. They now ensure their participation in Friday Jumaat prayers where the President is present. However, there is an ongoing crisis, and the President is reportedly trying to avoid them.

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In relation to President Tinubu’s recent visit to Paris, it was noted that unlike past foreign trips where he was accompanied by a large delegation of party chieftains, he decided to travel with a smaller group of aides. Some former governors had wanted to accompany him but were refused, as the President intended to attend the summit only with his aides.

It should be noted that President Tinubu is currently in Paris, France, participating in the Summit on New Global Financing Pact hosted by President Emmanuel Macron. The summit aims to explore opportunities to restore fiscal space to countries facing financial