President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet member list is causing anxiety among Nigerians as the battle for inclusion intensifies. The composition of the list reflects a dominance of old Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) members from the South West, with other legacy party members also receiving nominations.
Prominent figures like Prince Dayo Adeyeye from Ekiti State, Mr. Oyetola, and Femi Fani-Kayode from Osun State are believed to have secured spots. Fani-Kayode, with his banking industry experience, might be reassigned as the Central Bank Governor. Meanwhile, Dr. Tunji Abayomi and Olusola Oke are vying for the Ondo State position.
In the North, some interest groups are excluding immediate past governors from their states due to alleged mishandling of campaign funds. However, the final decisions rest with President Tinubu.
In the North West, Salihu Lukman is a possible nominee from Kaduna State, while Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Ganduje are also likely candidates from Kano State. The nominees for Sokoto and Zamfara States depend on Aliyu Magatakarda Wammako and Ahmed Sani Yarima, respectively.
The North East zone sees Mohammed Dambu and Tijani Tumsah contending for a slot, and Senator Abubakar Kyari likely to secure the nomination for Borno State. The Taraba State nomination leans towards Senator Emmanuel Bwatcha.
In the North Central, Kwara State’s nominee could be either Professor Ishaq Olorode or Isa Aremu. Niger State might see Professor Yahaya Kuta as the nominee, while Nasarawa State’s nomination is still under discussion.
For the South East, Imo State could have Mike Okiro, a former Inspector-General of Police, as the nominee. Emma Enekwu is likely to be nominated from Enugu State, while Andy Uba and Uche Ukwunife are being considered for Anambra State.
Abia State’s nomination may favor Mac Wabara, while Ebonyi State’s decision lies with Dave Umahi. Rivers State might see the nomination of former governor Nyesom Wike, and Cross River State is being considered for Senator John Onwah or a young lady staff of NNPC.
The nomination for Akwa Ibom State is to be handled by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Delta State has contenders like Festus Keyamo, Frank Kokori, and Felix Morka.
In Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole will decide the nominee, most likely from the Bini stock, to challenge Governor Godwin Obaseki in the forthcoming elections.
Lastly, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) nomination is being discussed with various stakeholders, including Senator Sidi Ali and Isa Rahma. Tinubu is also considering long-time loyalists, such as Prince Dayo Adeyeye and Col Abubakar Dangiwa Umar, for cabinet positions.
In conclusion, the selection process for President Tinubu’s cabinet is ongoing, with intense lobbying and consultations taking place. The final decisions lie with Tinubu, ensuring that his cabinet will be dynamic and diverse.