“Tinubu Is Emeritus Professor of Nepotism” – Mahdi Shehu Alleges Bias in Customs Recruitment

Political activist Mahdi Shehu has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Comptroller-General of Customs of promoting nepotism and regional bias in the newly released 2025 Customs Cadet Officers shortlist.

In a post shared on X on Saturday, Shehu claimed that the recruitment process heavily favored candidates from the South, particularly the South-West, while marginalizing the North.

According to him, out of 1,785 shortlisted candidates, 1,244 were from the southern region, while only 541 came from the North. He further alleged that about 45 percent of the shortlisted candidates—roughly 803 individuals—were from the South-West alone.

Shehu described the exercise as a “political blunder” by President Tinubu, accusing him of exhibiting “open nepotism” and an increasing tendency toward favoritism. “Bola’s nepotistic inclination and perfection is so glaring and compelling that one could surrender to him the title of ‘Emeritus Professor of Nepotism,’” he wrote.

He also accused the President of concentrating power and resources in the South-West, claiming that over 70 percent of federal capital projects were directed to the region. According to Shehu, the administration has sidelined northern interests, both in public appointments and project distribution.

“It is not enough that he handed over the management of Nigeria’s wealth institutions to the South-West,” Shehu said. “He is satisfied that all parastatals under their control are skewing appointments and promotions in favor of the South-West.”

The activist argued that the Customs recruitment reflects “open bias, partiality, and hate,” suggesting that the Comptroller-General’s actions would not have occurred without the President’s approval. He said many Northerners now feel alienated and profiled under the current administration, adding that some would prefer to live in a country where they are treated fairly.

Quoting from the Bible, Shehu warned that “the wicked make evil plans against good people… but the Lord laughs at the wicked because he sees that their day is coming,” referencing Psalms 37:12–13.

He concluded by saying that the imbalance in national leadership and appointments threatens Nigeria’s unity, adding, “No leader can build a nation with this level of open, deliberate, and well-crafted lopsidedness.”