By Daniel Edu
Bigwigs within the All Progressives Congress (APC) are competing for ministerial roles as President Bola Tinubu prepares to select his cabinet. While awaiting Tinubu’s directives, former governors, ex-ministers, and other party officials have already begun jostling for appointments.
In the meantime, President Tinubu has appointed eight special advisers, including Nuhu Ribadu, former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, who will serve as the Special Adviser on Security. Tinubu had previously stated that he would assemble a competent cabinet within 60 days of assuming office.
However, concerns have been raised about the selection process, particularly since the APC lost governorship and senatorial elections in states such as Zamfara, Plateau, Delta, and Kano. Party members are urging the President to consider individuals who lost elections in order to address their grievances.
Tinubu reassured those who were not endorsed by the party and those who lost elections during a meeting with senators, stating that everyone would have a share in due course.
Despite these assurances, APC bigwigs have reportedly begun lobbying for appointments. For instance, in Delta State, the name of Festus Keyamo, a former Minister of State for Labour and Employment, was initially suggested for a ministerial position. However, due to the defeat of the party’s governorship candidate, Ovie Omo-Agege, there is now speculation that he may be nominated instead.
Similar situations are unfolding in other states. In Osun State, former Minister of Health Prof. Isaac Adewole was being considered before the Supreme Court ruled against the APC in the state’s governorship poll. Now, the ex-governor, Gboyega Oyetola, is being favored for a ministerial appointment.
The selection process is ongoing, with APC members from various states already lobbying for positions. However, some state chapters have yet to submit their lists of nominees. The APC National Working Committee stated that the party would not be able to influence Tinubu’s choice of ministerial nominees, as it is ultimately his prerogative.
Tinubu has recently appointed eight special advisers, including Nuhu Ribadu, to serve in his administration. The names of the appointees for these positions were not disclosed in the announcement.
Overall, the competition for ministerial appointments within the APC continues, and the final selection will be determined by President Tinubu.