Presidency Apologises for Errors in Appointments List Amid Criticism

The Presidency has issued an apology following public backlash over errors in a list of federal appointments released to address growing criticism surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s appointment record. The list was intended to counter claims of ethnic bias and imbalance in the distribution of top government positions under the current administration.

President Tinubu has faced mounting criticism, particularly from opposition politicians who allege that his appointments have disproportionately favoured individuals from the South West, his home region. Senator Ali Ndume, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and lawmaker representing Borno South, recently voiced concerns in an interview with Arise Television. Ndume accused the President of violating the federal character principle and defended his right to raise the issue, despite being a party ally.

In response, the Presidency released a list highlighting the regional spread of Tinubu’s appointees: 29 from the South West, 35 from the North West, 22 from the South-South, 16 from the South East, 25 from the North Central, and 24 from the North East. However, the list was met with further criticism for its lack of completeness and for reinforcing perceptions of regional imbalance. Critics noted the absence of key figures, particularly Femi Gbajabiamila, the President’s Chief of Staff and a prominent figure from the South West.

The omission fuelled debate on social media and added to concerns over the underrepresentation of the South East in the current administration. In response to the outcry, Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to the President, acknowledged the mistakes and issued a public apology via social media platform X.

“We have noticed a number of errors in the list of appointments tweeted. We are sorry. We will provide an updated list later. Thank you,” Dare stated.

He did not, however, clarify why Gbajabiamila’s name was excluded from the initial list.