The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu is trying to promote the interests of Northern Yorubas. The party’s response follows an article by Farooq Kperogi, which suggested that the appointment of Professor Joash Amupitan as 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 assertions misrepresent Tinubu’s “merit‑based leadership.” Party spokesman Mogaji Seye Oladejo said it is unfortunate that a respected academic like Kperogi continues to distort facts and foster ethnic division. Oladejo emphasized that Professor Amupitan’s appointment was based on his merit, experience, and integrity, not his ethnicity.
The APC noted that President Tinubu has a history of promoting inclusion and competence in his appointments, reflecting Nigeria’s diversity 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. It reminded him that Nigeria has moved beyond provincial politics and that Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is driven by competence, not geography.
Oladejo added that if Kperogi were less preoccupied with ethnic framing, he would have praised the President for appointing a minority‑group member from the North, thereby promoting inclusion. The APC advised arm‑chair 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.
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