Long-standing informal knowledge in Nigerian politics is that presidential appointees should carefully balance the diverse ethnic and religious variations of the nation. There are mounting worries now that this is being overlooked.
Although the constitution mandates regional participation in cabinet posts, the more general distribution of other important jobs has always followed a practice meant to promote national unity.
Past splits in Nigeria have split the most populous nation in Africa apart.
Though a chorus of criticism is developing over President Bola Tinubu’s selections, with some accusing the head of state – who has been in office for two years – of favoring persons from his own Yoruba ethnic group, issues with impartiality in presidential appointments are not new.
The presidency flatly refutes the charge.
Long-standing concerns about members of one ethnic group occupying important roles imply that presidential nominations are under close examination anytime they are announced.
The three biggest ethnic groups in the nation are Hausa-Fulanis, Igbo and Yoruba, from the north, south-east and south-west correspondingly.
Critics argue that Tinubu, a southern Muslim, displayed early disregard for precedent when he chose another Muslim—albeit from the north—to be his running mate for the last election.
The major parties have always presented a combined Muslim-Christian ticket since the return of democracy in 1999 since the nation is almost evenly split between adherents of the two religions.
The appointments of Tinubu since he took office in May 2023 are under increasing criticism.
