As governors, past governors, and party officials compete to propose positions to President Bola Tinubu, the agitation for cabinet berths has sparked conflict inside several state APC chapters.
The Spectator learned that some leaders of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, among other parties, are also said to be vying for positions on the ministerial list, in addition to APC stakeholders who claim they supported the president during the presidential election on February 25.
After July 4, the President may send a list to the Senate
Tinubu must officially pick his cabinet and submit it to the Senate for approval within 60 days after taking the oath of office on May 29.
According to numerous sources, the President is anticipated to deliver the Senate the list of nominees when it reconvenes in session on July 4.
Fights within the APC
The decision by the APC in Osun to censure the state’s former speaker and interior minister, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, may have something to do with Osun’s ministry openings.
Aregbesola and Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, the state’s most recent governor, have a tense relationship as a result of the latter’s reported attempts to undermine Oyetola’s chances of winning reelection in 2022.
The Osun State APC has made the decision “to deal with members involved in anti-party during the last governorship and general election in the state,” the party said in a statement.
Similar conflicts exist between Senator Rabiu Kwakwanso, the NNPP presidential candidate, and Alhaji Umar Ganduje, the former governor of Kano State.
APC members in Oyo State are reportedly uncomfortable with Governor Seyi Makinde’s relationship with President Tinubu.
APC leaders strike out at outsiders
One of the justifications offered by APC officials and members is that “genuine APC members should be appointed.”
They claimed that during the previous administration, guests received benefits from their party-related contributions.
Special advisers to Tinubu
The nomination of Mr. Dele Alake as Special Adviser, Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, and Mr. Nuhu Ribadu as Special Adviser, Security, was approved by President Tinubu last week.
According to a statement by the State House’s Director of Information, Abiodun Oladunjoye, Mr. Yau Darazo, Special Adviser for Political and Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr. Wale Edun, Special Adviser for Monetary Policies, and Mrs. Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser for Energy, are the other individuals appointed.
Mr. John Uwajumogu, Special Adviser for Industry, Trade, and Investment; Mrs. Salma Anas, Special Adviser for Health; and Zacchaeus Adedeji were all appointed.
Jostle for ministerial slots
The Spectator learned that lobbyists have been submitting the Presidency prospective candidates’ resumes (CVs), which are being gathered for screening, since the appointment of special advisers.
Despite the lobbying efforts of governors, past governors, and leaders from different parties, according to several sources, President Tinubu has not revealed the people who would likely serve in his cabinet.
Vanguard was also told by sources that the President’s senior advisers are unaware of who is most likely to join the cabinet.
Lobbyists besiege Aso Rock
A former governor’s close associate stated, “I know they are gathering CVs of ministry nominees. You are aware that the Senate has deferred its regular session until July 4 and that when it reconvenes, it will start working on the screening of ministerial nominees. No name has been given as of yet.
Another insider told The Spectator that party leaders had been left in the dark because the president had kept the list close to his vest.
The president has not made public the nominees for ministerial positions, the source claimed. Even people who are supposedly close to the president don’t know who is likely to be on the list.
‘’I am sure the list is ready and unofficially, the President may have given it to the Senate President.”
Tinubu not bothered about in-fighting—Source
The Spectator was also informed that several of the APC state chapters have fractured as a result of the competition for ministerial positions.
A source who provided information about the internal fighting within the APC stated: “The conflict has been going on and they are still battling. The President, I’ve been told, won’t pay attention to those battling for themselves.
Ministers may be supervised by Special Advisers.
Another insider also made the suggestion that ministers would only serve as ceremonial heads while the president would likely grant special advisers greater authority.
He said: “From what I know, those who will work with the President are the 20 special advisers and they will be powerful. They are likely going to be the cabal.
‘’The in-fighting within the APC is serious. Some people are pushing former Kano governor, Umar Ganduje but Tinubu has aligned with the Presidential candidate of the NNPP, Senator Rabiu Kwakwanso.
“Unfortunately, Ganduje has lost Kano State and is no longer relevant. Kwakwanso may likely be made defense minister.”
Government of National Unity
According to the source, Tinubu meant to include everyone following the election petition tribunal while discussing the possibility of the President appointing a Government of National Unity, or GNU.
He said: “Tinubu is likely to form a Government of National Unity and it will be across the board. For now, the president wants to settle down and sort out the court cases.”
