The Presidency has defended President Bola Tinubu’s federal appointment record, saying it reflects a balanced distribution between Nigeria’s northern and southern regions.
According to the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, President Tinubu has appointed 71 individuals from the North and 63 from the South into strategic positions across federal agencies and institutions.
Dare made the clarification via his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, in response to growing concerns and debates surrounding alleged regional imbalance in the administration’s appointment patterns.
“People tend to isolate new appointments made so far by the President and examine them through a tribal lens,” Dare stated. “But it is too early to conclude that the appointments are lopsided. President Tinubu is not even two years into his term, and there are still numerous appointments to come.”
He emphasized that the President remains committed to equity, merit, and national unity, and has never allowed tribal or religious considerations to influence his decisions.
A regional breakdown of the 63 southern appointments reveals that the South-West received the highest number with 26 appointees, followed by the South-South with 21, and the South-East with 16.
Dare also referenced Tinubu’s record as Governor of Lagos State, describing it as proof of his inclusive leadership style. “As Governor, his cabinet featured Nigerians from across ethnic and religious lines. That same spirit continues to guide him as President,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to assess the administration’s appointment strategy with a broader perspective, arguing that a full picture would reveal a government that is committed to federal character, competence, and national inclusion.
