Presidency Apologizes Over Faulty Appointments List as Ethnic Favoritism Debate Deepens

The Nigerian Presidency has issued an apology following the publication of an incomplete list of political appointees, amid rising public outcry over alleged ethnic favoritism in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The list, intended to showcase regional balance, instead sparked controversy after key figures—like the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila—were conspicuously absent.

Criticism has been mounting from various quarters, including the opposition, civil society, and even senior members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). One of the loudest voices is Senator Ali Ndume, who accused the President of breaching Section 14(3) of Nigeria’s Constitution—mandating equitable regional representation in federal appointments.

According to the Presidency’s breakdown, Tinubu had appointed 29 people from the South West, 35 from the North West, and notably fewer—only 16—from the South East. Observers, however, flagged major omissions that skew the true picture of representation.

Critics argue that these exclusions undermine the intended message of fairness and deepen concerns of marginalization, especially for the South East.Reacting to the backlash, Presidential Spokesperson Sunday Dare admitted to “a number of errors” in the initial release, promising an updated list soon. Yet, no explanation was given for the omissions, and the revised list remains pending.Meanwhile, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, defended the President’s record, dismissing the criticisms as “headline-chasing” and citing recent appointments from Borno South, Senator Ndume’s own district.Still, public confidence appears shaken.

Human rights groups and political analysts warn that the incident could tarnish the administration’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, especially as economic pressures and security concerns persist nationwide.With no updated list released yet, the episode remains a test of the Tinubu administration’s transparency, unity efforts, and constitutional fidelity.

We’re sorry  —  Presidency apologises over errors in federal appointments listhttps://t.co/2ZDAgGgTfd pic.twitter.com/tMXWFJiOCY

— Vanguard Newspapers (@vanguardngrnews) April 10, 2025