The Nigerian presidency released data to refute accusations of nepotism in security appointments under President Bola Tinubu. Despite the claims, a regional analysis showed the North West leading appointments, with social media reactions highlighting concerns over the perceived underrepresentation of the South-South and South East in key security roles.
In response to widespread allegations of nepotism in Nigeria's security sector, the presidency has released data to address concerns over an alleged regional imbalance in appointments. Critics had argued that President Bola Tinubu favored his Yoruba kinsmen, particularly with the recent temporary appointment of Major General Olufemi Oluyede as Acting Chief of Army Staff. This appointment fueled perceptions of “Yorubanisation” of the security agencies, but the presidency countered these claims by sharing a breakdown of the current regional distribution among 20 security heads.
According to Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President, the North West leads with eight appointments, followed by the South West with five, and North Central with four. North East has three, while South-South and South East each have one representative. Dare’s post, intended to dispel claims of favoritism, drew mixed reactions from Nigerians on social media, where many questioned the fairness of the distribution.
Some South-South and South East citizens expressed discontent, noting that their regions, despite their significant contributions, are underrepresented in key security roles. Supporters of the president praised Dare's transparency but acknowledged that the data still raised valid concerns about equitable representation in national security.
