In the wake of President Bola Tinubu’s recent appointment of eight special advisers, there has been a surge in the competition for ministerial positions.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that state chapters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) eagerly await the President’s directives to submit their nominations to the party headquarters.
While some party leaders believe this is the appropriate course of action for the President, others argue that Tinubu may face challenges in selecting his ministers due to the party’s losses in gubernatorial and senatorial elections in states like Zamfara, Plateau, Delta, and Kano. According to these critics, Tinubu needs to prioritise those who were unsuccessful in the 2023 general elections.
Recall that the President had previously reassured those who lost in the elections and those not endorsed by the APC that they would not be left out, emphasising that the “elephant is big enough for all.”
During a meeting with Senators on June 7, Tinubu stated, “The elephant is big enough for all members, and indeed Nigerians, to have a share of the renewed hope in due course.”
Despite the President’s assurances, influential figures within the party continue to engage in lobbying efforts for appointments.
In Delta State, Festus Keyamo, the former Minister of State for Labour and Employment, was being considered for a ministerial role before the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Ovie Omo-Agege, suffered defeat.
However, Omo-Agege now stands a chance of being nominated, The Punch reports.
A source within the party in Delta State revealed that the nomination would not be made public at this time but expressed support for Keyamo, citing his dedication and hard work for Tinubu during the previous election.
Similarly, there are speculations in Osun State that the former governor, Gboyega Oyetola, who lost his re-election bid, may be considered for a ministerial appointment.
The party’s spokesperson in the state, Kola Olabisi, stated that the party’s position on federal appointments would be disclosed at the appropriate time. However, an anonymous party source claimed that Oyetola was being considered for a ministerial post, and prior to the Supreme Court ruling on the state governorship matter, Prof Isaac Adewole, the former Minister of Health, was the initial nominee under consideration.
Furthermore, party members from Ondo State have reportedly begun lobbying for appointments in Abuja. The state party Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, assured that the party would reward those who contributed to its victory during the elections, regardless of whether they receive appointments.
It was revealed that some individuals vying for ministerial positions in Ondo State include Isaac Kekemeke, the APC National Vice-Chairman; Alex Ajipe, an industrialist; and Ademola Adegoroye, a former Minister of Transportation.
A party insider expressed uncertainty regarding the compilation of the appointment list but acknowledged the President’s commitment to involving the party in the selection process.
In Sokoto State, sources suggest that Senator Ibrahim Gobir, the immediate past Senate Majority leader, may be considered for a ministerial position.
Unlike others who left the party after losing their gubernatorial ambitions in the primaries, Gobir remained a loyal party member and significantly contributed to the party’s success in the state. The source revealed that Gobir’s dedication and commitment make him a strong contender for the ministerial nominee from Sokoto State.
