The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu is attempting to promote the interests of Northern Yorubas. This response comes after an article by Farooq Kperogi suggested that the appointment of Professor Joash Amupitan as the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was part of Tinubu’s alleged agenda to “visibilize” Northern Yorubas.

According to the APC, Kperogi’s claims are a misrepresentation of Tinubu’s “merit-based leadership.” The party’s spokesman, Mogaji Seye Oladejo, stated that it is unfortunate that a respected academic like Kperogi continues to distort facts and promote ethnic division. Oladejo emphasized that Professor Amupitan’s appointment was based on his merit, experience, and integrity, rather than his ethnicity.

The APC noted that President Tinubu has a history of promoting inclusion and competence in his appointments, reflecting the diversity of Nigeria across faiths, ethnicities, and regions. The party argued that Kperogi’s attempt to frame Amupitan’s appointment as a “Yorubacentric” project is dishonest and mischievous.

The APC reminded Kperogi that Nigeria has moved beyond provincial politics and that President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is driven by competence, not geography. The party pointed out that the President’s cabinet and key appointments demonstrate national balance and capacity, rather than ethnic considerations.

Oladejo added that if Kperogi were less obsessed with ethnic framing, he would have celebrated the President for promoting inclusion by appointing a minority group member from the North. The APC advised armchair commentators to appreciate merit when they see it, stating that Professor Amupitan’s appointment is a win for the law, competence, and Nigeria.

The controversy surrounding Amupitan’s appointment highlights the ongoing debate about ethnic representation and inclusivity in Nigerian politics. As the country continues to navigate its complex diversity, the APC’s response underscores the importance of promoting merit-based leadership and national unity.