Nigeria’s opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) has sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu’s recent political appointments, characterizing them as superficial attempts to address perceived long-term marginalization of the country’s northern regions. In a statement issued Saturday by National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, the party accused the administration of prioritizing “political panic management” over meaningful efforts to foster national unity.
The rebuke centers on claims that northern Nigerians—who make up a significant portion of the population—have been excluded from critical decision-making roles since Tinubu assumed office in May 2023. The ADC contends that major policy decisions and appointments over the past 25 months have conspicuously lacked northern representation, despite constitutional principles mandating regional balance. “You cannot marginalize a region for over two years and expect applause because you suddenly remembered Nigeria is bigger than Lagos State,” the statement read, alluding to Tinubu’s political roots in Lagos, the country’s commercial hub.
Recent appointments targeting northern figures, the party argues, amount to “consolation prizes” rather than sincere inclusion. Abdullahi dismissed such moves as ineffective symbolism, stating, “Tokenism is not inclusion, and symbolism is not governance.” He emphasized that northerners, as “co-owners of our federal republic,” recognize these gestures as insincere and politically motivated.
The criticism reflects broader tensions in Nigeria’s governance structure, where adherence to the “federal character” principle—a constitutional requirement ensuring equitable regional representation—remains a recurring debate. The ADC’s statement framed Tinubu’s approach as “Bourdillon-style appeasement politics,” a reference to the Lagos-based power dynamics associated with the president’s inner circle.
Calling for accountability, the opposition party urged a shift toward policies emphasizing broad consultations, equitable resource distribution, and stricter compliance with federal character guidelines. It warned that neglecting these measures could deepen regional distrust in a nation already grappling with economic instability and security challenges.
The ADC’s remarks highlight ongoing scrutiny of Tinubu’s administration, which faces mounting pressure to balance Nigeria’s complex ethnic and regional interests amid rising inflation and widespread public discontent. While the presidency has not yet responded to the allegations, the statement underscores the political risks of perceived imbalances in a country where regional identity often influences governance expectations.
