By G. Fraser. MFR
In the wake of recent comments allegedly originating from the camp of former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, it becomes imperative to correct the dangerous narrative that unfairly casts the Tinubu administration as a “Yoruba-led government.” The claim, thinly veiled as political criticism, is not only misleading but deeply divisive. It risks eroding the fragile sense of unity that Nigeria must continue to cultivate in its march toward national development.
The Buhari Precedent: A Lesson in Restraint
To appreciate the unfairness of the “Yoruba-led” label now being applied to President Tinubu’s government, we must revisit the Muhammadu Buhari era. Under President Buhari, Nigeria witnessed—for the first time in its history—a complete consolidation of the executive, legislative, and judicial arms of government under individuals from the northern region. The President, Senate President, Chief Justice, as well as key security institutions including the Army, Airforce, Police, DSS, DMI, DIA, NSA office, and EFCC, were all helmed by individuals from the North.
Despite the overwhelming regional composition of that administration, critics—including this platform—resisted the temptation to label the Buhari government as a “Fulani” or “Northern-led” regime. That restraint was driven by a sense of national responsibility and the understanding that Nigeria’s challenges are too great to be compounded by unnecessary tribal divisions.
Tinubu’s Governance Philosophy: Merit Over Tribe
It is therefore both hypocritical and self-serving for political actors to now seek to characterize President Tinubu’s administration as an ethnic enterprise simply because of a few high-profile appointments. A closer examination of the security and intelligence architecture reveals that only five of the twenty major national security institutions are headed by individuals of Yoruba descent. These include the Army, Police, DSS, Customs, and EFCC. Even in these cases, appointments were clearly rooted in professional track records and proven capacity.
Take, for instance, the case of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap. Though ethnically Yoruba, her appointment was based on federal character principles tied to Plateau State, her husband’s state of origin. Such nuances are routinely ignored in populist arguments that seek to promote division under the guise of political critique.
In contrast, key revenue-generating and strategic institutions—the NNPC, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and even INEC—remain under Northern leadership. Where then lies the so-called dominance?
Global Context: Meritocracy as a Path to Progress
Nations that have made significant developmental progress have done so by placing competence above tribal or regional considerations. Singapore, under Lee Kuan Yew, built a society based on meritocratic ideals. Appointments were not about appeasement but about performance. Rwanda’s Paul Kagame has similarly championed a leadership model that de-emphasizes ethnic identity in favor of merit and results, leading to one of Africa’s most efficient public sectors.
President Tinubu’s choice to prioritize meritocracy is a necessary corrective to Nigeria’s long-standing patronage culture. His focus on technocrats and tested professionals, regardless of ethnicity, reflects a governance philosophy rooted in delivery and reform. To label this approach as nepotism is to either misunderstand governance or to wilfully mischaracterize it for political gain.
El-Rufai’s Shifting Allegiances: Politics or Principles?
It is especially telling that Mallam El-Rufai, who once lauded President Tinubu’s leadership and vision, shifted tone only after he failed to secure a ministerial position. This sequence of events raises questions about motive. Was his interest in government service driven by national duty or personal ambition? If the latter, then his recent criticisms are not acts of political candour but symptoms of personal disappointment.
El-Rufai is a trained Quantity Surveyor and a former Federal Minister with substantial private sector experience. If not engaged in this administration, he could have returned to his professional roots or offered his support to governance from the sidelines with statesmanlike grace. After all, politics is not a do-or-die affair, and every player must understand that the national interest is greater than individual ambition.
The Need for Responsible Commentary and National Unity
In a country with over 250 ethnic groups and an illiteracy rate estimated at over 85% in some regions, irresponsible tribal rhetoric can fuel division, misunderstanding, and unrest. It is, therefore, incumbent on leaders—especially those with national followings—to weigh their words carefully. Broad accusations against entire ethnic groups or regions undermine nation-building and weaken the credibility of legitimate criticism.
President Tinubu, being from the Yoruba ethnic group—the most populous homogenous ethnic bloc in Africa with one of the highest literacy rates on the continent—inevitably draws many competent appointees from his region. However, this is a function of merit, not favoritism. Nigeria must now embrace the reality that progress requires ability, not allocation.
Conclusion: Meritocracy is Not Nepotism
The path forward for Nigeria lies in building institutions, promoting capable leadership, and ensuring that public service is populated by the best minds—regardless of ethnicity, religion, or region. President Tinubu’s commitment to this merit-based approach should be lauded, not vilified.
Politicians must rise above personal grievances and prioritize the collective good. Nigeria does not need more tribal labeling. It needs unity, maturity, and vision. The Tinubu administration must be critiqued where necessary, but it should be done with fairness, accuracy, and in the spirit of national cohesion.
Princess Dr. G. Adebajo-Fraser MFR
Founder, The National Patriots
Publisher, Headlinenews.news.
COMMENTS
Merit Over Tribe: Rethinking the Tinubu Administration’s Appointments, this is a good write-up.” – Former Governor.
“The Danger of Tribal Labels in National Governance, an excellent piece. I admire the rationalisation.” – State House of Assembly Member.
“Unity Through Meritocracy: A Defense of the Tinubu Administration” Dr. G. Fraser. MFR
“Governing by Competence: Why Tinubu’s Appointments Reflect National Interests, I enjoyed this. Thank you.” Former Senator, NASS.
“Tinubu’s Nigeria: Breaking the Chains of Nepotism Accusations, interesting read, i agree with you.” – Prof. Mohammed Bello
“Not a Yoruba Government, Just a Competent One, quite educative report.” Keep it up. -Legal luminary.
“El-Rufai, Bitterness is Not a Political Strategy, my advice to El- Rufai” – Imran Khazaly.
“From Praise to Pettiness: El-Rufai’s Flip on Tinubu, internet never forgets as we watch his old interviews, best he gets back to his professional job as you suggested. Good article. ” – Amina Ibrahim.
“Nepotism or Merit? The Facts Say Tinubu Is Playing It Straight, as far as i am concerned, he is a saint compared to Buhari who appoints anyone from the North without regard for competence and the country fell apart” – Dr. Oluwarotimi.
“When Appointments Hurt Egos, Not the Nation, one finds corrupt politicians like El- Rufai who is being investigated by the EFCC calling an administration Yoruba- Led. When he is jailed, for looting his kaduna state treasury by his own people, will he accuse a Yoruba led administration? Nigerians should ignore this criminal.” Hajiya Humuani Adamu
” Tinubu should please ignore this thief. Thank God he was never appointed as Minister. He is hurt because his agenda has been crushed. He will end up in jail for looting Kaduna treasury. I like your article. I will read your write-ups from now.” Lecturer ABU, Zaria.
