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Shehu Sani Criticizes Tinubu's Appointments, Cites Southwest and Northwest Dominance

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  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, August 2nd 2025 at 20:50 GMT by legit
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Regional Disparities in Tinubu's Appointments: Shehu Sani Highlights Southwest and Northwest Dominance

In a pointed critique of the current administration's approach to political appointments, former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has drawn attention to what he perceives as an imbalance in the distribution of key positions under President Bola Tinubu's government. Speaking at a dinner event organized to honor Okwesilieze Nwodo, a former governor of Enugu State and ex-national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sani did not mince words. He identified the Southwest and Northwest geopolitical zones as the regions that have secured the highest number of appointments since Tinubu assumed office in May 2023. This observation comes amid growing discussions about federal character principles in Nigeria, which are enshrined in the constitution to ensure equitable representation across the country's diverse ethnic and regional lines.

Sani's remarks underscore a broader narrative of regional favoritism that has plagued Nigerian politics for decades. The Southwest, Tinubu's home region, encompasses states like Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti. It has long been a powerhouse in Nigerian politics, producing influential figures and benefiting from strategic alliances. Under Tinubu's presidency, this region has seen a surge in high-profile appointments, including roles in critical sectors such as finance, security, and infrastructure. For instance, key positions like the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy have gone to individuals from this zone, reflecting a pattern that critics argue prioritizes loyalty and regional ties over national balance.

Similarly, the Northwest, comprising states such as Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Jigawa, and Zamfara, has emerged as another major beneficiary. This region, known for its significant population and historical political influence, has secured appointments in areas like defense, agriculture, and internal affairs. Sani's highlighting of these two zones suggests a deliberate or inadvertent concentration of power, potentially at the expense of other regions like the Southeast, South-South, Northeast, and North-Central. He emphasized that this disparity is not just numerical but also symbolic, as it affects perceptions of inclusivity in a nation as ethnically diverse as Nigeria.

During his speech, Sani urged leaders and citizens from the Southeast—states including Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Abia, and Ebonyi—to foster greater unity among themselves. He argued that internal divisions and blame games have weakened the region's bargaining power in national politics. "The Southeast must come together and stop pointing fingers at each other," Sani reportedly said, stressing that solidarity is key to addressing marginalization. This call resonates with historical grievances in the Southeast, where feelings of exclusion date back to the civil war era and have been exacerbated by issues like the lack of Igbo representation in top security positions or the presidency itself. Sani's intervention is particularly timely, as it coincides with ongoing debates about restructuring and power rotation in Nigeria's multi-party democracy.

To contextualize Sani's comments, it's essential to revisit the principle of federal character, outlined in Section 14(3) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution. This provision mandates that appointments to public offices reflect the country's federal structure, promoting national unity and preventing domination by any single group. However, successive administrations have been accused of flouting this rule. Under former President Muhammadu Buhari, for example, there were widespread criticisms of Northern favoritism, with key security appointments disproportionately going to individuals from the North. Tinubu's administration, which promised renewed hope and inclusivity during the 2023 election campaign, now faces similar scrutiny. Observers note that while Tinubu has made some appointments from other regions—such as the Southeast's representation in the education ministry—the overall tally appears skewed.

Sani, a vocal activist and former senator known for his human rights advocacy and sharp political commentary, has a history of calling out imbalances. Elected on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform in 2015, he later fell out with party leaders and has since positioned himself as an independent voice. His latest remarks at the Nwodo dinner event, which brought together politicians, business leaders, and civil society figures, were met with nods of agreement from some attendees. Nwodo himself, a respected elder statesman from the Southeast, has long advocated for greater regional equity, including through his roles in Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization.

The implications of such regional disparities are multifaceted. Economically, regions with more appointments often gain better access to federal resources, influencing infrastructure development, job creation, and policy priorities. For instance, the Southwest's dominance could accelerate projects like the Lagos-Ibadan expressway or port expansions, while the Northwest might see enhanced focus on agricultural initiatives in the face of food insecurity challenges. Politically, this could fuel resentment and separatist sentiments, as seen in movements like the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the Southeast, which has capitalized on feelings of alienation to push for self-determination.

Moreover, Sani's observations highlight the role of alliances in Nigerian politics. Tinubu's rise to power was bolstered by a coalition that included strong Northern support, particularly from the Northwest, where figures like former Kano Governor Abdullahi Ganduje played pivotal roles. This quid pro quo might explain the region's high appointment count, as a way to reward political loyalty. Critics, however, argue that this perpetuates a cycle of patronage rather than merit-based governance, undermining public trust in institutions.

In response to such criticisms, the Tinubu administration has defended its appointments by emphasizing competence and the need for rapid reforms amid Nigeria's economic challenges, including inflation, currency devaluation, and subsidy removals. Presidential spokespersons have pointed out diverse appointments, such as the Chief of Defence Staff from the North-Central and ministers from the South-South in petroleum and Niger Delta affairs. Yet, data from independent analyses, including reports from civil society groups, suggest that the Southwest and Northwest indeed account for over 40% of top-tier positions, far exceeding their proportional share based on population or state representation.

Sani's call for unity in the Southeast also touches on internal dynamics. The region has produced notable leaders like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Alex Ekwueme, and more recently, Peter Obi, whose 2023 presidential bid under the Labour Party galvanized youth and diaspora support. However, factionalism within parties and cultural organizations has often diluted collective influence. Sani advised emulating the Southwest's model of cohesion, where groups like Afenifere have effectively lobbied for regional interests.

Looking ahead, these disparities could influence the 2027 elections, with opposition parties like the PDP and Labour Party likely to campaign on themes of equity and inclusion. For Tinubu, addressing these concerns might involve mid-term cabinet reshuffles to broaden representation, potentially appointing more figures from underrepresented zones to key roles.

In conclusion, Shehu Sani's revelations at the Nwodo event serve as a stark reminder of the enduring challenges in Nigeria's quest for balanced governance. By pinpointing the Southwest and Northwest as frontrunners in appointments, he has reignited a vital conversation about national unity. Whether this leads to tangible changes remains to be seen, but it underscores the need for all regions to advocate strategically while holding leaders accountable. As Nigeria navigates its democratic journey, ensuring that no zone is left behind will be crucial for sustainable peace and progress.

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