Leadership is a sacred covenant, an unyielding promise to serve all citizens with equity and integrity. Yet, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent appointments to federal boards and agencies have cast a dark cloud over this covenant. Of the 42 appointments announced, 29—a staggering 69.02%—are members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This brazen act of partisanship is not only disheartening but a betrayal of the principles of inclusivity and meritocracy.
Consider some of the names on this list: Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, APC National Chairman, now Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). Senator Surajudeen Ajibola, APC National Secretary, handed the reins of the National Sugar Development Council. Senator Magnus Abe, a loyal APC stalwart, now chairs the National Agency for the Great Green Wall. Even Dayo Israel, the APC National Youth Leader, has been appointed Chairman of the Board of the Federal Medical Center, Abeokuta. These are not mere ceremonial roles; they are pivotal to Nigeria’s progress and prosperity.

This pattern of appointments reeks of political patronage. It sends a chilling message: that loyalty to the APC is a higher qualification than competence, vision, or the will to serve the nation. Such actions erode public trust and alienate millions of Nigerians who do not align with the ruling party. They deepen our divisions and reduce our shared institutions to tools of political reward.
Mr. President, these appointments are not just names on a list; they are the architects of Nigeria’s future. Institutions like FAAN and the National Sugar Development Council demand leaders who are not shackled by partisan interests but driven by the singular goal of national development. By filling these roles with party loyalists, you risk undermining their effectiveness and credibility.
Leadership is not about rewarding loyalty; it is about inspiring trust. It is about uniting a fractured nation and demonstrating that every Nigerian—regardless of political affiliation—has a stake in its future. This is your moment to rise above the confines of party politics and govern as the president of all Nigerians.
History will not judge you by the favors you granted to party faithful but by the legacy you leave for the nation. Mr. President, the weight of leadership demands courage, fairness, and a commitment to the greater good. It is time to put Nigeria first. Our people, our institutions, and our future deserve nothing less.
List of Confirmed APC Members recently appointed as board chairpersons for 42 agencies
- Hon. Hillard Eta (Cross River) – Former APC National Vice Chairman (South-South).
- Alhaji Abdullahi U. Ganduje (Kano) – Current National Chairman of the APC and former Governor of Kano State.
- Senator Surajudeen Bashiru Ajibola (Osun) – Current National Secretary of the APC.
- Sulaiman Argungu (Kebbi) – Former APC National Organising Secretary.
- Senator Magnus Abe (Rivers) – Former APC senator; recently aligned with the SDP for a gubernatorial race but retains ties with the APC.
- Festus Fuanter (Plateau) – APC member and former Plateau State Commissioner.
- Chief Victor Tombari Giadom (Rivers) – Former Acting National Chairman of the APC.
- Comrade Mustapha Salihu (Adamawa) – Former APC National Vice Chairman (North-East).
- Hon. Hamma Adama Ali Kumo (Gombe) – APC member and ally in Gombe State politics.
- Donatus Enyinnah Nwankpa (Abia) – Former APC Chairman in Abia State.
- Nasiru Gawuna (Kano) – Former Deputy Governor of Kano State under the APC administration.
- Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi (Lagos) – APC stalwart and former Lagos State senator.
- Chief D.J. Kekemeke (Ondo) – APC National Vice Chairman (South-West).
- Hon. Musa Sarkin Adar (Sokoto) – APC member and prominent Sokoto politician.
- Hon. Garba Datti Muhammad (Kaduna) – APC member and former Kaduna House of Representatives member.
- Mu’azu Bawa Rijau (Niger) – APC affiliate in Niger State politics.
- Hon. Durosimi Meseko (Kogi) – APC member and ally in Kogi State.
- Dr. Kayode Isiak Opeifa (Lagos) – APC-affiliated former Lagos State Commissioner.
- Hon. Durotolu Oyebode Bankole (Ogun) – APC member.
- Mr. Abdullahi Dayo Israel (Lagos) – APC National Youth Leader.
- Hon. Emma Eneukwu (Enugu) – APC Deputy National Chairman (South).
- Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori (Borno) – APC Chairman in Borno State.
- Hon. Lawal M. Liman – APC member from Zamfara State.
- Isa Sadiq Achida (Sokoto) – APC-affiliated politician in Sokoto.
- Ambassador Abubakar Shehu Wurno (Sokoto) – APC-affiliated politician.
- Hon. Shola Olofin (Ekiti) – APC member.
- Hon. Rauf Olaniyan (Oyo): Former Deputy Governor of Oyo State and APC member; appointed as Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo.
- Chief Adebayo Shittu (Oyo): Former Minister of Communications and APC member; appointed as Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Medical Science, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
- Ms. Mubo Adelabu (Oyo): APC member; appointed as Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo State.