President Tinubu Leaning Towards Technocrats Over Former Governors for Ministerial Appointments

President Bola Tinubu is reportedly shifting his focus away from appointing former governors to his cabinet and instead favoring technocrats and professionals, according to reliable sources. This development has raised doubts about the fate of former governors in the formation of the new government’s cabinet. It is believed that President Tinubu is not considering them for ministerial positions.

Former governors from both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are said to be making concerted efforts to secure appointments for their nominees in various Board MDAs and parastatals. The dissolution of the Governing Boards of federal government parastatals, agencies, institutions, and government-owned companies, except for specific entities, has created opportunities for these former governors to push for their candidates.

A confidential source, who is a former governor, revealed that President Tinubu is actively avoiding the influence of these APC leaders. The source disclosed that some of these former governors, particularly those from northern states, aspire to become ministers and also exert their influence by appointing individuals to boards of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). However, President Tinubu is keen on appointing technocrats, especially from the north, and has shown a preference for Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso over the former governor of Kano, Alhaji Umar Ganduje.

Regarding the fate of former governors in the cabinet formation, it remains uncertain. In states like Ogun, the president is said to have reservations about Governor Dapo Abiodun due to his alignment with former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo during the APC presidential primary. The president is yet to decide which faction of the APC in Ogun will produce a minister. Some former governors, including Senator Ibikunle Amosun, are reportedly seeking to mend their relationship with the president and have been attending Friday Jumaat prayers where he is present. Nevertheless, the president is attempting to keep his distance from these former governors.

In a departure from past practices where the president traveled abroad with a large delegation comprising party chieftains, President Tinubu opted for a smaller delegation for his recent trip to Paris. This decision suggests his intention to focus on the summit’s agenda rather than accommodating former governors who wanted to accompany him.

President Tinubu’s inclination towards technocrats and professionals in his ministerial appointments reflects his desire to prioritize expertise and competence in governance. This approach aims to ensure effective and efficient delivery of services to the Nigerian people. As the cabinet formation progresses, it will be interesting to see the final composition and how the inclusion of technocrats shapes the policies and programs of the Tinubu administration.

President Tinubu’s attendance at the Summit on New Global Financing Pact in Paris signifies his commitment to exploring opportunities for restoring fiscal space, mobilizing innovative financing, and addressing challenges related to climate change, COVID-19, and the energy crisis. This engagement demonstrates his dedication to finding sustainable solutions for Nigeria’s economic development and resilience on the global stage.