The Nigerian government has refuted claims that President Bola Tinubu’s political appointments favor the South-West region, insisting they comply with constitutional requirements for national balance. The government urges Nigerians to disregard unfounded speculation, emphasizing fairness, unity, and equity in the appointments to ensure an inclusive and prosperous nation.
The Nigerian federal government has pushed back against growing public criticism alleging that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent political appointments favor his home region, the southwest, at the expense of national inclusivity.
The controversy has sparked widespread debate, with critics pointing to what they describe as an imbalance in the president’s cabinet and key federal appointments. Among the most vocal is Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South. Ndume recently accused the administration of violating the federal character principle outlined in the 1999 Constitution, which mandates equitable representation across Nigeria’s diverse regions.
But in a statement released Friday, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) dismissed the allegations as “unfounded speculation.” Segun Imohiosen, the Director of Information at the OSGF, insisted that all appointments made by the president are guided by constitutional requirements and a commitment to fairness and unity.
“The President remains devoted to the ideals of justice, equity, and national cohesion,” the statement read. “Every decision is made with the intent of building an inclusive Nigeria that reflects our shared identity and aspirations.”
The government urged citizens to rely on verified sources of information, warning against narratives that could fuel disunity. Imohiosen criticized those promoting claims of sectional bias, accusing them of undermining national stability.
Despite the government’s reassurances, the debate over regional balance in Tinubu’s administration continues to resonate across political and civil society circles.
