INVESTIGATIVE REPORT
Is President Tinubu’s Appointment Pattern Truly Lopsided? The Data Tells a Different Story
Accusations of regional favoritism have long trailed Nigerian presidents, especially on federal appointments. Since taking office in May 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has faced a barrage of criticism, with some alleging that his top appointments favor the South. But how true is this narrative? A comparative analysis of 40 strategic national appointments under President Muhammadu Buhari and President Tinubu reveals a compelling shift in national balance and inclusion.
Comparative Table: Top 40 Key Federal Appointments
By the Numbers
Buhari: 36 Northern appointees, 4 Southern appointees
Tinubu: 22 Northern appointees, 18 Southern appointees
Historical Context and Analysis
Under President Muhammadu Buhari (2015–2023), widespread criticism followed his clear regional tilt in appointments. Even international observers noted a worrying pattern of exclusion. In 2017, a World Bank President, Jim Yong Kim, controversially revealed that Buhari had told the institution to focus development efforts on Northern Nigeria.
Human rights groups and civil society organizations, including SERAP and Amnesty International, issued repeated warnings about the constitutional implications of such imbalance.
In contrast, Tinubu’s first year has shown greater sensitivity to Nigeria’s multi-ethnic makeup.
According to Dr. Jide Ojo, a public affairs analyst:
“We have not seen this level of southern inclusion in over a decade. Tinubu’s spread, especially in key economic and security sectors, reflects an effort to rebalance the federation.”
Economist Dr. Ayo Teriba notes:
“Tinubu’s appointments suggest a pragmatism rooted in performance and merit. It’s not perfect yet, but it’s definitely more balanced than Buhari’s approach.”
What the Constitution Says
Section 14(3) of the Nigerian Constitution mandates federal character in appointments to ensure national unity. Under Buhari, this clause was widely considered flouted. Under Tinubu, there’s evidence of renewed effort to comply, even as criticisms continue from political opposition.
Conclusion: A Shift Toward National Balance
While no government can fully escape scrutiny, the statistics show that President Tinubu’s appointments reflect a far more balanced approach compared to the clear lopsidedness under his predecessor. Critics must acknowledge this improvement and debate the facts, not fearmongering.
The road to unity in a diverse nation like Nigeria starts with inclusion. So far, Tinubu is taking more steps in that direction than many before him.
Princess Dr. G. Adebajo-Fraser MFR
The National Patriots.
