African Democratic Congress Criticizes President Tinubu's Latest Appointments, Alleges "Desperate Ploys" to Regain Northern Trust Ahead of 2027.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has launched a stinging rebuke against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's recent appointments, especially those concerning individuals from Northern Nigeria. The opposition party has described these appointments as a "cynical attempt" and "desperate ploy" to curry favor with the North, a region that has, according to the ADC, felt sidelined by the administration for over two years. This strong criticism underscores the growing political tension and jostling for influence as the nation inches closer to the 2027 general elections.
The ADC's Interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, in a statement, accused the Tinubu administration of making "lopsided" appointments that violated the federal character principle enshrined in the constitution. He argued that the recent wave of appointments, which included Muhammad Babangida as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture and others to various federal agencies, were "too little, too late" and amounted to mere "political panic management." The party contended that the government could not expect applause for suddenly remembering that "Nigeria is bigger than Lagos."
The opposition's stance highlights a key challenge for the current administration: balancing regional representation with meritocracy in appointments, especially when facing accusations of marginalization from certain geopolitical zones. The ADC particularly pointed to the perceived neglect of Northern communities battling banditry, agricultural collapse due to subsidy removal, and economic hardship, asserting that these issues had been overlooked until now. According to Abdullahi, offering appointments as "consolation prizes" will not deceive Northerners, who he described as "co-owners of this Republic" capable of seeing through mere symbolism.
The ADC urged President Tinubu to abandon what it termed "Bourdillon-style appeasement politics" and instead pursue genuine national inclusion. This political jab from the ADC signals a broader strategy by opposition parties to capitalize on any perceived missteps by the ruling APC, particularly concerning regional equity and economic policies. As 2027 approaches, the debates over appointments, federal character, and regional development are set to intensify, shaping the narratives and alliances that will define the next election cycle.
I'm Adedayo Obadina
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